College is a whole new world. You go from living in your parent’s house and following their rules to being in charge of your own life. College is a time of growth and learning. You are on your own for the first time, and you get to really decide how you want to live your life. You can change who you want to be without the pressures of what your family wants you to do. You can keep things the same if you like the way that your parents taught you to be. For many of us in college, we are still adamant about pursuing a lifestyle that follows Jesus Christ. Trust me, it can be extremely difficult to be the light in a brand new environment. People will not always be supportive of your choices, but I promise you that it is so worth it. You just need to remember that although it seems hard to be a follower of Christ, it will be worth it in the end so keep pushing onward.
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
When you are a college student, it can sometimes seem like you are an adult, but still a kid at the same time. It’s easy to think that you don’t matter because you are either an underclassmen, or maybe just everyone in your workplace is older than you. I promise you that you matter. Your age does not limit you to the example you can set for others. There will always be eyes on you, it doesn’t matter if you are the youngest person in the room or the oldest.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
You can do all things through Christ. Not a few things, not some things, ALL things. Sometimes college can really make you feel like life is impossible, but thankfully things are always possible with God by your side.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Sometimes when opportunities come our way, it is easy to do them for our own glory or to help someone else get the glory. I think it is so easy to get wrapped up in wanting all the glory in college. One thing we have to remember is that we need to do our best in everything, but to give our best for the glory of God.
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
It is really easy to get caught up in life and forget what your goal is. It is important to remember what our true end goal is: to join God in heaven. You might make mistakes in life, but you have to move on and keep pressing onward toward your end goal.
“Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’” John 13:7
It is so easy to get stuck in a storm and wonder why that it is happening to you. We have to realize that God has a plan. He had a plan for us before we even left our mother’s womb. God sometimes leads us through the hardest storms so that we can come out even stronger. Even if you feel like your world is crashing around you, be patient and trust that God has better things right around the corner.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
When life gets tough and you just want to give up, I encourage you to read this verse. This is God’s love letter to us. When you just take a minute to reflect on how much God loves you even when you at your lowest then I promise your darkest day will turn into your brightest day. This truth is something we can hold close to our heart and just realize how much God loves us.
