Think back to when you were in high school. How did you imagine your life would be one year from then? How about 5 years? 10 years?

How accurate would your answer be compared to where you are now?

If you’re like me, you might have felt like there’s a ravine in adulthood between where you are now and where you imagined to be.

The truth is, while some adults appear to have it all figured out, beneath the surface, many of us feel like we're perpetually "not there yet." We're bombarded with images of success, leading us to believe that life is a race to be won, a series of boxes to be checked off.

But what if real adulting isn't about winning at life, but about truly living it?

What if the secret to navigating this complex phase isn't about having all the answers, but about understanding that the journey itself is the answer, especially when viewed through the lens of faith?

I've begun to read Kristin Weber's "Adulting With Jesus" which offers a refreshing perspective that the key to a meaningful life isn't found in a meticulously crafted blueprint, but in embracing a life lived without fear, anchored in something far greater than ourselves.

Conform To The Standard Path, Or Else

From the moment we can articulate our ambitions, society often funnels us towards a singular vision of success.

For Westerns, it's the American Dream. For traditional homes, it's continuing the teachings of their community. For low-income families, it's the dream of getting into prestigious colleges and careers.

We're taught to work hard, to climb the corporate ladder without complaint, and to strive for constant upward mobility.

Deviating from this well-trodden path often feels like a personal failure, met with raised eyebrows or well-intentioned, but often misguided, advice. I can attest whenever I've mentioned one different perspective to my family, they would look at me like it was nonsense.

The pressure to conform is immense, leading many of us to prioritize external markers of success over internal fulfillment.

Finding success in life becomes a problem when it comes at the expense of what makes you ‘you.’

Where I live, we’re told to chase "callings," but often confuse a divine purpose with a lucrative occupation. As Weber wisely points out, we expect God to intercede with grand, detailed plans, replacing the true calling – the call to holiness – with a job title.

We meticulously plan, strategize, and discern, hoping to pick the path of least resistance and greatest reward, much like playing a high-stakes Game of Life.

But what if God’s plan for us is less about a pre-ordained daily briefing and more about shaping our hearts to discern His will, no matter the road we take?

To Live In The "What Is"

The beauty of grounding your adulthood in faith is the freedom to release the need for a perfectly mapped-out future.

It’s okay to not have everything figured out.

In fact, it’s often in the messy, unplanned moments that we truly encounter God’s grace and discover our deepest strengths. A reminder of our agency as sons and daughters so we may cultivate and subdue the world He’s given us.

Living a life with purpose means living out our purpose daily, in the small acts of obedience and love.

It’s about recognizing that God often presents us with "gray paths," not to make us waver with confusion and frustration, but so that we choose to seek Him and allow Him to work through the unique abilities, experiences, and passions He’s given us.

Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Even when our decisions lead to unexpected hardships, God is with us, always.

Crucially, this perspective invites us to see struggles and hurdles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for profound growth.

Life will inevitably throw curveballs. The sorrows of young adulthood are not new; generations have faced criticism from previous generations and navigated complex challenges.

While the technological and cultural stages may change, the human condition remains plagued with internal struggles.

Today, we grapple with comfort addiction, instant gratification, endless distractions, and decision fatigue. The constant desire for ease and immediate fulfillment has eroded our patience and perseverance.

But instead of blaming past generations or succumbing to endless nostalgia, we can choose to view these struggles as fertile ground for developing resilience, patience, and a deeper reliance on God.

Every challenge, when surrendered to God, can become a stepping stone towards a more mature and purposeful life. Don't let the "what-if" of an untaken road rob you from enjoying the "what-is" on your current path.

Overcoming the Roadblocks to Fearless Living

But what about the nagging doubts, the "what ifs" that plague our minds?

If it's truly okay to not have everything planned, then why does the fear of uncertainty still feel so real?

One common argument against this "trust the process" mentality is the fear of wasted time or missed opportunities. We’re taught to optimize, to maximize every moment, and the thought of simply "being" can feel unproductive.

However, true productivity in God's eyes often looks different from the world's definition.

It's about cultivating character and growing closer to Him, not just accumulating achievements. The solution lies in understanding that God's timing is perfect, and even detours can lead to unexpected blessings and deeper spiritual formation. Our obedience, regardless of the season, fulfills both our character and our livelihood.

Another concern might be the practicalities of an unplanned life.

How do we pay the rent, pursue careers, or build relationships if we’re not constantly strategizing?

The answer isn't to abandon all planning, but to hold our plans loosely, trusting that God will guide our steps. We can be diligent in our work and relationships, while simultaneously releasing the need for absolute control.

Our emotions are real, but they are not the ultimate reality.

The ultimate reality is fellowship with God through Jesus, learning about His ministry on earth, His divinity as the Son of God, and His love for all of us despite our shortcomings. Even when we don't "feel" like we're glowing, His presence remains.

Finally, some might argue that this approach encourages passivity or a lack of ambition.

On the contrary, living without fear and trusting in God's plan often fuels a more profound and sustainable ambition.

When we are free from the burden of proving ourselves or adhering to societal expectations, we are liberated to pursue what truly matters: to serve others and to use our unique gifts for God's glory.

It shifts our focus from winning at life to living a life that honors God, which is the most meaningful pursuit of all.

Conclusion

Adulthood is a journey, not a destination.

It’s less about having a flawless map and more about trusting the One who walks beside you, illuminating the path one step at a time.

The pressure to conform can be suffocating. But by embracing the freedom that comes from knowing God's purpose for us is not a rigid blueprint but a dynamic relationship, we can truly flourish.

It's okay to not have all the answers. It's okay to stumble. It’s okay to learn and grow from every struggle.

In fact, it’s in these moments of vulnerability and reliance on God that we truly come alive.

So, as you navigate the beautiful complexities of young adulthood, remember that your worth isn’t tied to your achievements or your perfectly executed plans. It’s found in your identity as a beloved child of God, called to holiness, called to love, and called to live without fear.

What are some of your biggest goals for this next season of life, and how will you choose to live differently, embracing the “what is” and trusting God with the “what ifs”?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Blessings.

Weekly Resources

How To Take Back Control Of Your Life - Dan Koe

Action speaks louder than words.

This video reveals our exposure to tutorials since childhood - schools, parental teachings, tribal mentality.

However, you are not meant to live solely in the path given to you. You have the capacity to reach a new level of awareness, freeing you to live out a life unique to you.

Find the people living out a life you want to be at, experiment through action, and course correct through revisions. You are on your way living out life with agency.

What It Actually Means To “Know What You Want” - Imagine Nation

Can you believe wizards exist today?

That's what Imagine Nation proposes, especially those who take control of their life and make an impact on the world. In this video, lays out the groundwork to living out your ideal life:

1. Define The Dream: How would you describe your ideal life?

2. Work Backwards: What did you do to be living out that life?

3. Define The Why: What is the magic, force, or purpose guiding you?

Check out the video to work alongside him in crafting your ideal life, as well as the final ingredient he shares at the end. Safe travels, my friend.

Trophy Room - Alberto Padron

Do you struggle tracking your progress in life?

Now you can track your goals, accomplish every milestone, and create a long-term vision all in one place.

Scan the QR code below or comment 'Trophy' to receive the FREE template.