Let me just start by admitting that I don’t have all the answers. I haven’t found the secret to living the perfect Christian life or how to avoid pain and hurt. If that’s what you’re looking for, you can stop reading right now. Now that we have that cleared up, I can tell you I do have some stuff figured out. After years of living the Christian life, I’ve learned a thing or two, and I’m more than happy to pass it on. So expect some direction and advice that might just help you in your walk. You’ll even find a few answers contained within these pages, but understand there’s also a lot of mystery when it comes to God and the Christian life.
Those unknowns can really get to you if you let them. A “why?” here and a “how come?” there can start to add up until you begin to wonder what you know for sure anymore. I’m here to assure there’s plenty we can and do know. God is at work all around us and there are signs of His love and care for us everywhere. All you need to do is open your eyes.
That’s what this book is meant to be. Consider it an eye exam of sorts. A pair of spiritual glasses to help you see more clearly what God wants you to be about as you move through this world. And I’m sharing it with you now because you’re at an important place in your life. You face decisions that will shape who you become and what your life will be about. When I was growing up, there were people who did the same for me so I’m merely returning a favor. They were key people who had a huge impact on my life. Guys like the youth leader in the little town in West Virginia where I grew up who helped steer me in the right direction. They answered my questions and helped me make sense of what we can’t know for sure this side of Heaven.
As the next generation, you’re our future. You have the power to do amazing things for God and I want to help equip you to fulfill that promise. In fact, in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah God makes it clear He has big plans for you: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).
You’ll find that’s a theme throughout this book: Follow the signs to what God has for you. You may already have an idea or it may be a complete surprise. Either way, figure out what that plan is, what you’re meant to do in this life, and you’ve won 90 percent of the battle. It will set things in motion. There’s a great big world out there and God has plans for the part you’ll play in it. So open your eyes and get ready!