Give a student a permanent marker while you blow up a balloon in front of the class. Don’t tie off the end, but while you’re holding the opening tightly shut, have the student use the marker to write MY PLANS on the inflated balloon. (If your class is meeting online, invite a member of your household to help you with the illustration. Invite students to bring index cards and pens/pencils with them to class.)

Keep holding the end shut while you explain this illustration.

How many of you are making plans for your future? It’s always a good idea to make wise decisions in your life—and that includes planning ahead. I’m going to release this balloon in a few moments. I want each of you to stand in the location where you predict the balloon will land.

Let students find a spot around the classroom where they predict the deflated balloon will eventually land. On the count of three, let go of the balloon and watch it make its unpredictable flyover. Afterward, gather everyone together to discuss the following questions.

• How is the balloon a good metaphor for life? (Just like life, the balloon’s trajectory was hard to track with any dependability.)
• Is it possible to predict life’s unexpected changes? How can we approach the future with confidence rather than fear? (Even though life’s daily events can change rapidly, God is in control of everything. His goodness, justice, and sovereignty are unmistakable.) 
• Teenagers—especially those approaching high school graduation—are often prompted to take precise steps for their future. Where is the balance between being a “control freak” and being a slacker? (Students’ responses will vary.)
• What can we learn from Mary’s attitude toward her circumstances? (Mary accepted God’s will. She adjusted her expectations and submitted to a higher purpose than her own.)

When you are finished with your discussion, distribute supplies (or invite students to have items ready at home). On one side, prompt them to write down three concrete plans they are making that show stewardship and wisdom. (Consider having leaders share one example from their own lives such as saving for a down payment on a house or taking classes for a future college degree).

Once your teens finish, have them turn the index card over. On the other side, tell them to write down three things that God has promised them for their future—regardless of what happens in life. These can be universal truths, such as the Gospel message of salvation, or more personal applications like promising to comfort them during a specific struggle.

If you have time, ask volunteers to share their index cards. Students will take their cards home with them. Remind them to take action by praying about and pursuing the plans they included on the front side and thanking God for the universal truths on the other side.

Close in prayer, thanking God for His sovereignty and mercy in all things.