Man this is rough. Am I right?

It’s hard to balance classes, resume builders, and your relationship with Jesus, all while running on minimal sleep and pleas to the LORD for an extra boost of energy. It’s a real struggle to keep your head held high in a place where people can be so hostile towards God in one breath and then exclaim the need for acceptance in the next. Especially, when you’re all alone. Alone and just so tired of things not working out. It’s hard because...

It’s convicting seeing your unopened Bible sitting there and realizing that it hasn’t been your Daily Bread since last Tuesday. It’s even more difficult when your alarm goes off early on a Sunday morning and you have to list off the reasons that you need to be at church. It’s even more challenging when you realize that there’s only one real reason. You’re a sinner in need of Jesus.

It’s isolating to sit in a lecture hall and hear about the evolutionary process beginning millions of years ago and feeling like you’re the only one squirming. You remind yourself for the thousandth time to look into creationism to help strengthen your foundation. You forget as soon as you walk out the auditorium doors.

It’s confusing to meet a group of Christians and be excited about fellowship only to find out that their doctrine is radically different. It’s dejecting to walk away from them and feel like you weren’t prepared for that interaction in any way. It’s anxiety inducing to make a new friend in your class and realize that the Lord wants you to share a part of your faith. Right now. No take backs.

As lonely, awkward, and challenging as it is to be a believer, a light, in a typically Christian shaming culture - you’re not doing it by yourself. You’re not alone in these heart wrenching moments. You’re followed faithfully by the God you serve--who’s filled with a deep compassion and interest in your daily trials. So, while college may just be the worst, sometimes it’s also the best. Because...

It’s beautiful setting your alarm early to spend time with the Lord, laying down your day at His feet. It’s even better when you awaken rested and ready to worship the Lord with His church. It’s encouraging when you get to fellowship afterwards and share the highs and lows with people who will pray over it all.

It’s empowering to listen to podcast sermons from trustworthy sources to build your own case for Christ. It’s awe inspiring when the Lord orchestrates what He’s teaching you into an opportunity to share your experience with someone else. Especially, when that someone doesn’t know Jesus as their Savior and you’re able to be a part of planting seeds in their life.

It’s the best feeling in the world to meet a fellow believer and spend hours after class discussing the goodness of God over coffee. It’s humbling when God calls you to obedience and you actually listen. Especially, when it leads to a blessing because you most definitely don’t deserve the LORD’s overwhelming grace in your life. How great is our God? So great!

And after all that, He sends someone into Your life to remind you just how much He loves each and every one of us so much. So well. So personally.

So friend, I mean family, don’t give up. Because you have a God who sympathizes with your struggles and is interceding on your behalf. So, cast all those worries on Him because He really does care for you. Keep going, keep running this race.