One of the most hopeful truths I’ve found in this journey comes from Jay Adams’s book How to Help People Change. Adams was convinced that God never commands what He does not also empower us to do.
Addiction often whispers the lie: You can never change. You will always be this way. But the gospel says the opposite: in Christ, change is not only possible—it is promised.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
This doesn’t mean change is instant or easy. Just as a coffee bean must be ground and pressed to release its aroma, we often feel the grinding pressure of sanctification (being set aside to be holy). But God is at work, shaping us into something beautiful.
Adams reminded me that real change begins with repentance and faith. It continues through obedience, one step at a time. God uses His Word, His Spirit, and His people to bring about lasting transformation.
As students step into senior year of high school—the final stretch before graduation—they face questions that can feel overwhelming: What do I do with my life after school? Similarly, adults moving from long-term work life into retirement, career changes, or unexpected seasons of disability wrestle with the same uncertainty: What now? Where do I belong? How do I move forward?
Though the circumstances differ, the emotions are strikingly similar. Anxiety, fear, excitement, and even frustration can make it tempting to retreat into mind-soothing habits or quick fixes—whether scrolling endlessly, seeking risky thrills, gambling, or turning to substances.
Like sand washing away around a pool during a storm, these seasons of change reveal weak spots in our foundations. They challenge us to ask: Are my habits, routines, and spiritual grounding strong enough to keep me steady?
Self-control, accountability, and godly habits become the anchors that hold us firm amid uncertainty.
Transitions bring storms, and storms heighten temptation. Teens face peer pressure, academics, and looming questions about the future. Adults often wrestle with identity, fear of irrelevance, or feelings of loss.
In both cases, the temptation is to seek instant relief. False solutions whisper: Escape here. This will make you feel better. But they rarely deliver. Instead, they create cycles of secrecy, shame, and dependency.
Some common false solutions include:
- Substance use – alcohol, drugs, or other chemical highs.
- Gambling or thrill-seeking – trying to feel alive or distracted.
- Screen addiction – endless scrolling, social media, or gaming.
- Avoiding responsibility – ignoring the natural consequences of choices.
Proverbs 13:20 warns us:
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (ESV)
We need guidance, community, and mentorship to resist these false anchors and pursue lasting stability.
Resilience doesn’t come from avoiding discomfort—it’s built through guidance, discipline, and practice. Both teens and adults benefit from:
- Clear expectations – knowing right from wrong and the consequences of choices.
- Opportunities for responsibility – tasks at home, volunteering, mentoring, or personal projects.
- Self-regulation skills – learning to pause, reflect, and choose wisely instead of reacting impulsively.
- Spiritual grounding – prayer, Scripture, and reliance on God’s wisdom.
- Community and accountability – mentors, trusted friends, or small groups that encourage godly decision-making.
The Bible points us back to trust:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV)
Every time a teen or adult chooses God’s way instead of a quick fix, they are placing a stone in the foundation of their character.
James 1:2–4 gives us the bigger picture:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (ESV)
Storms, struggles, and seasons of transition aren’t wasted—they produce steadfastness, shaping us into people who stand firm in faith.
Practical Steps for Navigating Change
- Engage openly – talk about fears, pressures, and temptations without judgment.
- Model self-control – demonstrate godly ways of handling stress and uncertainty.
- Encourage honest reflection – identify false solutions and pursue healthier alternatives.
- Provide safe challenges – let both teens and adults face risks and natural consequences.
- Celebrate growth – affirm wise choices and godly responses, reinforcing the value of patience and perseverance.
Life transitions are inevitable, whether it’s a teen facing graduation or an adult entering a new life season. The storms will come. But with godly habits, accountability, and reliance on Christ, both teens and adults can navigate uncertainty with wisdom, strength, and hope.
True stability and peace don’t come from quick fixes—they come from standing firm on the foundation of God’s t
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