Fresh Start

Throughout this plan, you’ve hopefully had time to do a lot of self-reflection, whether alone or in a small group setting. And maybe after self-reflecting, you question how to remember everything you’ve read or where to start making changes and adjustments. I ask that you first take a deep breath and understand that life is a journey, not a race. My goal for writing this was to give you hope that you are not alone, you are not weird, and you are not too young to make decisions according to God’s standard. There are tons of young adults just like you, who struggle to live for God but not be labeled as weird or a “goody two-shoes.” God isn’t asking you to become a completely different person. He only asks that you let Him develop what you already have to become greater. So, I encourage you to be patient with yourself on this journey. Mistakes and challenges are inevitable but know that the outcome will be favorable.

I want to send you off with a few pieces of advice while you navigate this journey:

• Choose your friends wisely. Friends can either be a powerful tool for success or a powerful tool for destruction. Your friends will either support your journey or send you on a detour. Don’t let having the wrong friends snatch the knowledge that you have learned throughout reading this plan.
• Be patient. Be patient with yourself, others, and most importantly, God. Everything will not happen overnight, and the great thing is no one is expecting that of you. Overnight successes are not sustainable, therefore, give yourself time and enjoy the journey, one day at a time.
• Find like-minded people, activities, and resources to help you stay committed and accountable to your journey. There will be many days that you will not feel like being so kind, loving, and respectful. There will be people and things that test you and provoke you to react negatively. This is where having like-minded friends and mentors play a huge role. 
• Invest in your personal relationship with yourself and God. Get to know who you are by researching who God says you are. If you know who you are and love that person, no one can come into your life and tell you otherwise. Stand firm in your relationship with God and ask Him for the confidence you need to believe in yourself and love who you are. 

I hope this plan encourages you to go forward with your relationship with God and check out more resources from Just Too Young.