Going to college as a Christian is no easy thing. People are going to try you, test you, encourage you, and rejoice for you. Here are nine facts about your faith and rejoicing in His love while in college.
1. Do not be afraid to speak out about your faith on campus.
There will be some people who will make comments or remarks about Christians, but that is a part of life. In order to stay strong in your faith and your walk with Christ, it is so important that you are willing to speak out and demonstrate the person that Christ has shaped you to be.
2. There are so many other Christians surrounding you.
Trust me on this one, you may not think that there are other believers around you when you first arrive, but you will realize they are everywhere. When I moved into the dorm, I did not want to speak out about my faith at all because I was terrified about what the other girls on this floor would think because I thought I was the only Christian. Now, several of them went with me to watch me get baptized and rejoice in my faith with me.
3. Make sure you find time to read your Bible and spend time in prayer.
This was probably the biggest mistake I made first semester. I was so caught up in the people around me that I didn't save any time for God. I would do anything from hang out with friends to stay in bed all day. When I had nothing to do, I complained about being bored instead of thanking God for my time of rest.
4. Don't think that just because you're a Christian in college you can't have fun.
I have made some of the best memories ever that I will cherish forever while I have been here on campus. I literally always find something fun to do, or make a new friend who is so entertaining. Being a Christian doesn't mean you can't have fun. It means that you honor and thank God through everything, but still can enjoy the earthly things.
5. It is okay to be friends with non-believers.
I have heard a lot of people say that it is not okay to be good friends with someone who is a non-believer. While I understand this argument, I would have to disagree. Yes, there are going to be temptations and trials, but you get those everywhere. I know some non-believers who are some of the nicest and most caring people because they honestly want to and not because it is what God called them to do.
6. You will have some of the most breathtaking and life-changing talks with people who share your views with you.
When you find those friends who you can sit down and talk about God with, it feels like the whole current of your life switches another direction. There will be such amazing talks about God, religion, temptation, love, fear, and rejection that you will feel moved and empowered to take the next day by storm.
7. There will be hard days-- and that is okay.
This one should be a given. The hard days will come. There will be days that you will question what you are doing with your life. Your plans will change, your major might change, or something catastrophic might happen. On these days, you will take a step back and ask God why and even ask yourself why. Here is the important part it is okay to question and ask why. Don't think that just because you question God and why something happens that you are instantly going to be banished from his acceptance.
8. Be on the lookout for religious groups.
Every campus has some kind of religious organization on campus for you to be a part of. I am lucky enough to go to a religious school, so I have the opportunities everywhere. Even if you don't go to a religious school there is always some kind of FCA (fellowship of Christian athletes), Bible Study, or volunteer groups that will help you connect with people and strengthen your faith.
9. Always, always thank God for everything that life brings you: good and bad.
Does this one need an explanation? :)
