Tim Woods, M.Min. | May 31, 2026
The journey has come to an end for many students this May, with graduation. Some faced this day with excitement, while others faced it with fear. Turning the page to the next chapter can be frightening.
Maybe you’re not prepared to see what life has to offer, or maybe you do know what you’re facing. Anxiety can be overwhelming, and the pain and trauma are real. The next chapters of your life can and
will be very difficult at times. Anger, confusion, weariness, grief, and temptation don’t sound like a pleasant time, but there is hope.
Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (James 4:14 NKJV)
I hope that you savored the moment and that you are facing these next chapters with Christ. Mistakes will happen. Don’t beat yourself up, overthink the situation, worry, and anticipate that you will fail again. Recognize your mistakes and learn from them. The God we serve is a God of love and forgiveness. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:2)
Jesus first.
We are unsure what the next chapters may bring, but we do know that they need to be faced with Jesus Christ. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). When you choose to place Jesus first in your life, He will meet your needs and help you face each day ahead. Notice I didn’t say "wants." By fully surrendering your life to Christ, you are placing Him first in every aspect of your life. The decisions you make, the time you have on this earth, and the desires of your heart are His. Taking up your cross daily and dying to self, you totally commit to Jesus as first, and He is your only priority. Everything you have and everything you are becomes devoted to Him. You are invested in your relationship to Him and His will. We are to seek the things of God over anything else this world has to offer.
God’s will.
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness (Psalm 143:10). And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what that good and acceptable and perfect will of God is (Romans 12:2). 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to rejoice in all circumstances, and we are to pray continually. With every situation we face, good or bad, we are to give thanks, for this is God’s will in Christ for those who truly follow Him.
We are to refuse to be conformed to the world and be transformed. Your mind is renewed according to God and the things of God. He wants you to act on faith with each step you take. Every step you take, God will reveal to you His will when you continue to place complete trust in Him.
The problem is that we live in a time where social media gives the answers we want in less than 60 seconds. God’s will for your life is knowable but may require patience. Another issue some will have is
that we want to give God specific parameters. We want to define the characteristics of our walking within His will. I will go here, or I will not go there. I will do this, but God, promise You will never place me over there for that task; I know that cannot be Your perfect will. This is not God’s will but your own desires of your heart. When we choose to walk with Christ, regardless of where He may lead us, and truly seek the desires of His will for our lives, then and only then will God place His desires in our hearts. It’s His will and His timing, not ours.
Future and a hope.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11). Life can and will be difficult. Making sense of your situation or circumstances can be very hard. It’s within that unknown that you must stand on God’s promises even more, knowing that we should never worry about our future. When we choose to place Christ first and walk according to God’s will, the anxiety you may have for your future is gone. We rejoice knowing that God is with us and the hope of our future is certain because of Him. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Faith, not fear.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous hand. (Isaiah 41:10). Faith and fear don’t mix. It’s like oil and water; the two cannot exist within the same heart. Faith is the absolute trust in God. It’s faith that brings us to the saving blood of Jesus Christ, the delivery method to salvation. Our faith will grow as we study God’s Word. The more we study, the more we can see Him at work in our lives, strengthening our faith. Fear is a concern or regret over an unwanted situation, unbelief, or weak trust. Once unbelief controls our hearts and minds, fear manifests in our lives. Our emotions will be covered with worry and anxiety, soon controlling all aspects of our lives. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6-7).
Our faith will produce peace, not fear. Faith moves us forward; fear holds us back. Our faith will not strengthen without those fearful trials. It’s during those fearful moments that we guard our hearts and
minds through Jesus Christ. With each step we take with Christ in those uncertain and fearful times, our faith deepens, stomping out fear.
Fear of the LORD.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7). And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
To those who choose not to believe in God, the fear of God is the fear of judgment and eternal separation from Him. Those who believe and follow God’s Word and all of its precepts, who are born-again believers, washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, the fear of God is reverence and awe. It is this fear that causes us to surrender our lives completely to Him. Christians aren’t scared of God. We have the promise that God will never leave nor forsake us. It’s through this fear of God that we live a life of obedience, respecting and submitting all aspects of our lives to Him, and in awe of His grace, love, and mercy. Through this fear, you’ll serve Him with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your mind, keeping all His commandments. God is your strength, and He has a plan for you. The plan He has isn’t behind you, it’s in front of you. When one decides to place Christ first in their life, seeking God’s will, knowing that their future and hope are only through Him, relying on faith, and living a life of awe and reverence for Him, you can face the next chapter with peace and confidence. Now, turn the page and continue your story.
About the Author
Tim Woods lives in West Frankfort, Illinois, where he serves as Director of Student Ministries at First Christian Church and Jr. High/High School Teacher and Chaplain for New Covenant Christian School. Woods earned his B.Min. in Discipleship and M.Min. in Biblical Studies from Veritas Theological Seminary and is currently working toward a D.Min. He is the author of the forthcoming (2025) book, Battle for Souls (Illative House Press).
