I Don't Know Anything
Before attending Moody, I thought I knew the Bible and Christianity pretty well. I was wrong. There is always so much more to learn! I have been so humbled by seeing how well my professors know the Bible. I am inspired to get deeper into the word and know more about God.
It's Okay to Say You Don't Know
There is so much that we don't know about God and life, and probably never will. God is beyond our capacity of understanding. The more we learn, the more questions we will ask. It is okay to rest in the unknown, and to accept that some things we just aren't meant to know the answers to.
Comfort is a Hindrance to Growth
I got pretty comfortable in my life before Moody. Things went well for the most part, and I didn't have to do anything that scared me. But moving to Moody changed that. I was thrown completely out of my comfort zone and had no idea how to handle it. But from that, I had to learn to completely trust God and put my life in his hands. From being in a place of discomfort, I have become a different person, and I feel closer to God than ever!
The Conservative Way is Not Always the Christian Way
From growing up in central Illinois, I grew up in a predominately Republican, conservative area. And there's nothing wrong with that! But from coming here I have been exposed to different views or ways of thinking. No political party is inherently biblical. We live in a sinful world, so no form of government is ever going to be perfect, or anywhere close to it. Therefore, I will not identify myself by any political party. Instead, I would rather identify myself as a follower of Jesus, because that is the one thing I can hold to with confidence!
You Don't Need to Have the Gift of Evangelism to Do It
Street evangelism was not a thing I had experience with before Moody. The thought of going up to a complete stranger and talking to them about my faith terrified me. Last semester for a class I had to go out and do street evangelism. I wasn't too excited about this at first, but I ended up loving the experience! It's still awkward, uncomfortable, and sometimes hurtful when people reject you. I still stumble with my words. But that doesn't mean that God cant use you through it! I've learned that people actually are really willing to talk and share their beliefs with you, and many are willing to listen. I now go out and do evangelism every week (funny how God works).
The Old Testament is Really Cool
Before coming to Moody, I didn't really understand the Old Testament and avoided it for the most part. There were some books in there that I didn't even know existed. Taking the Old Testament Survey class completely changed my perspective. Many people only see the just, warrior, mighty side of God in the Old Testament. Some even see God portrayed as evil and vengeful. However, if you look at the timeline as a whole, you see God's mercy for his people. You see how he continually pursues a group of people who constantly reject Him. You get such a variety in the Old Testament: from history to poems of lament to prophesy to romance! If you actually try and pay attention, there is so much to gain and learn from God's character. I now think the Old Testament is super interesting (Thanks to Dr. Sanchez!)
God Can and Will Provide Exactly What You Need
Multiple times throughout this semester I have seen this to be true in my life. I've had people knock on my door in the times when I needed to talk the most. I've had classes be canceled when I was super stressed and needed time off. I've had great friends placed into my life in the weirdest, but most perfect ways. I learned that when I actually let go of control (that I didn't really have in the first place), God will take care of me.
Life Changes, and That's Okay
My life had been pretty much the same in the 7 years before I left for college. I had the same friends, same circumstances, same home, and same church. I liked my life how it was, but it needed to change. Life most likely won't ever be the same for a long period of time. Circumstances will always be changing, and the people around you will always be changing. That thought still makes me uncomfortable, but I've been learning to deal with it. The only thing constant in this world is Christ, and that is a hope that I can cling to! Even though I loved my life before, I am so thankful that it changed so drastically! It needed to happen! Overall, I am so thankful that the Lord has me in this season of life. There is so much excitement, growth, and learning. I wouldn't want it any other way.
