Mike Jordahl

Wise Words on Transitions

From Mike Jordahl
National Collegiate Director

The transition from my university days to "life after college" was one of the scariest but most exciting times of my life. I loved the fun and faith that came my way during that season. But I also faced great temptations and sometimes lost sight of who I really wanted to be. Then there were the more simple struggles like balancing my checkbook and adjusting to 70-hour work weeks.

Since you have been part of The Navigators, it is likely that you are burning with a vision to walk with Christ and see Him use you in the months and years ahead. As you prepare for your own transition into “life after college,” I want to encourage you with two realities:

1. You can do this!

The Bible says that through Christ you have everything you need to live, to be godly, and to bring Him glory (2 Peter 1:3). Isn't that great news? You can do it! You can walk with Christ and bring Him glory! Let me remind you of the resources you have at your fingertips right now—and in the days ahead:

The Holy Spirit

Jesus told His disciples, "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). He really is with you in the person of His Holy Spirit. My friend, you can count on this: He will never ever leave you. Not when you are tempted, not when you are discouraged, not when you fail nor when you succeed. He is always, always with you. The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in every person who trusts in Christ for salvation. He is always there—guiding you, helping you, counseling you, reminding you (John 16:12-16). You can count on Him!

Start a support group

Have you ever been afraid to suggest an idea to others, only to find out they were thinking the same thing you were? Maybe your friends need support in their Christian walk but they don't know how to bring it up. Go ahead—be the one to speak up. Ask God to direct you to the right people. Make a list of five or six names, then invite them to join you in a support group. Once you have a group together, come up with a plan for how often to meet, what kinds of things you want to help each other with, and how you're going to help each other reach your goals.

Contact a Navigator

How can The Navigators help you? Do you want to link up with a Navigator group in your area? Do you need meaningful Bible study resources? Would you like someone to pray for you? Spend some time investigating this website. It might give you some ideas. Take a few minutes, pray, and come up with a list of ways we could come alongside you in the next month. Then e-mail us below!

The Word of God

Not only is the Holy Spirit with you, but His Word is always available to you. When perspective seems to escape me or when truth is hard to discern, I go to His Word. That's where I find truth as well as comfort and direction. As Paul shared in 2 Timothy 3:16, God's Word is intended to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us.

Prayer

Isn't it wonderful that at any time we can call out to God? When Jesus was preparing His disciples for a huge transition (His leaving them through death, resurrection, and ascending into heaven), He told them very clearly, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24). Just like the disciples of Jesus' day, today's disciples can ask, receive, and have complete joy!

Other believers

The writer of Hebrews told believers to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13). In my own life, I was greatly helped my first five years out of college by men and women who gave me courage to keep following Jesus and trusting Him to use my life. My small group of Navigator peers, my mentors, and friends at my local church were invaluable in helping me move forward as a Christ-follower. I urge you to surround yourself with like-hearted men and women who can give you courage, as well.

Angels

We often overlook the reality of angels. Hebrews 1:14 says, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Although we should not pray to angels, it is good for us to know that the Father has arranged another advantage for us in the cosmic spiritual battle.

Rest assured, my friend, God Himself is with you, He has given you His Word, you have access to Him through prayer, encouragement from other believers, and special help from His angels! All of these give you a definite advantage as you transition into the working world. You can certainly succeed in all that He asks of you. You really can rise to every challenge and bring Him glory through your work, your lifestyle, your choices, and how He uses you in the lives of others!

2. We would like to help you any way we can.

Finally, I want you to know that The Navigators—as a movement, an organization, and a family—would like to come alongside you and help you become all that God wants you to be in the coming years.

Whether your need is for mentoring and coaching, linking up with like-minded peers, awareness of Navigator opportunities, or simply prayer, we are here to serve and help you. As you navigate through this website, you’ll see a variety of ways that we might be able to help you.

Many of us are praying for you as you enter this next exciting chapter of your life. We are certain God wants to bless you and make you a blessing to many others as you do your part to advance the Gospel and Kingdom of Jesus into the nations through spiritual generations of laborers who live and labor among the lost.

And trust me—you can even learn to balance your checkbook.