Q: How are we supposed to know what God's will is for us? How are we supposed to know whether or not something occurs because that is according to God's will or our own? I always pray to God asking him what He has planned for me in terms of pursuing a career. I'm really confused of what I want to do in the future and I just don't know what God's calling is for me.

A:  Hello!  Thanks for your question.  We have answered similar questions before, so please read the following posts before reading on:

How do you know that God is calling you to do something?

How do you know it's God speaking and not a coincidence?

It seems like your question revolves around future career paths or school program.  My advice to you would be just to relax.  I know that the uncertainty of the future causes anxiety for many people, but if you have a strong relationship with God and allow Him to guide you, you will be fine.

If you are waiting for a booming voice coming from the skies to tell you to be a doctor, dentist or accountant...that probably won't happen.  The Holy Spirit often leads in ways that aren't explicit: open doors to next to impossible school programs, job opportunities at the company of your choice, finding a mate when you least expect it. 

When our hearts are open to allowing God to work in us, than He will.  When we are in tuned with God, we'll know when and where He is leading us.  I know that that sounds arbitrary, but God isn't something we can break down and understand.  Just work on strengthening your relationship with God, read your Bible on a regular basis and serve in your local church - these are the things that God cares about.  The rest He'll take care of. 

[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: As a follow-up question to the skipping school question, what if your parents don't mind you skipping, or you know that the class isn't going to do anything that day? (for example, a supply teacher, a "review" period, etc.)

A:  The original question can be found HERE.  

Just use your best judgment at this point.  If your teacher is okay with it, if your parents give you permission, if you don't need to go to the class...than all the arrows point to the fact that it's okay. 

This is a decision that you need to make, based on the information that you have and have weighed in your mind.  I've already given you a general principle with Biblical back up.  Whether or not you skip a class is your call.  You need to discern this on your own. 

[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: Is it a sin to skip school?

A:  Why did I put this picture up on here?  It's because Ferris Bueller's day off consists of his scamming his parents and teachers and going on a joy ride in his dad's vintage car...all the while skipping classes.

While the Bible does not specifically state that skipping school is a sin, I think it's important to note that Jesus Himself was diligent in studying the Scriptures.  He took His education very seriously.  So much so that He traveled around to not only preach, but teach the people.  His 12 Disciples did not just follow Him around, but they took it as a learning experience to listen to what their Rabbi had to say and gain wisdom through Jesus' teachings.

There are also passages in the Bible that support the civil authorities in our midst.  Your teachers and principle are considered such authority.  In Romans 13:1, it says,  "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."  Which means that as they set rules that govern our attendance in classes, we should follow them.

Now, of course there are special circumstances that would cause us to break these rules.  Illness, the occasional vacation...all of these could cause us to miss some classes and skip school.  But for the most part, I believe we need to treasure our education and know that for most of the world, education is a luxury.


[answered by Pastor KJT]