Whether it's your first year in college or fifth year in college. It can be the most trying time of your life. Keeping your grades up, maintaining time for your social life, trying to get just enough sleep to be able to function, and then squeezing God in where it is convenient for you, it can be hard.
Wait a minute. Did you just catch what I just said? You probably had to go back and reread it because it didn't catch your attention the first time.
... and then squeezing God in where it is convenient for you ...
Sadly, this is true for most of us. When is the last time you actually made time with Your Creator a priority? When is the last time you asked God about any of your plans for or during college?
You may say that you love Jesus and want to live your life for Him, but are you really? We tend to fall into a trap of telling ourselves that we are doing what God wants us to do, but when is the last time we actually asked him what his plans are for us? Or maybe we have asked but we haven't actually listened.
I think one reason that we don't ask these things is because we really don't want to know the answer. We are content where we are now.
I am guilty of this also. I came to college thinking I knew where God wanted me. I even asked occasionally, but once he tried to tell me an answer that didn't fit into my plan, I didn't bother to listen anymore. I was driving this car and he was just a passenger giving me suggestions on which way I should go or how I should get there.
I thought I was doing it all right. I was at a great college with a great plan for my future. I was in a relationship that I kept trying to tell myself was pleasing God. I slowly began to wake up and realize that I was wrong.
My first semester of college was an eye opener. My grades were decent but not as good as I needed them to be. I was struggling with making friends. My relationship slowly started to fall apart. But in the middle of all of this ... I felt peace. In the midst of all of this, I trusted in the plans that God has promised me from day one. I began to ask him what he wanted me to do. I gave him the steering wheel. I was no longer driving. I wasn't even in the passenger seat anymore. Honestly, you might as well put me in the trunk because my opinion did not and does not matter anymore.
Through all of this, He has shown me His plan. I have changed majors and have changed the plans for my future. That relationship ended, and He has led me to someone who sees my worth as so much more.
Were there times that it was uncomfortable and I was scared?
Yes.
Is there still times that I am uncomfortable and scared?
Yes.
Will there always be times that I will be uncomfortable and scared?
Yes.
But He promises me that He will never leave me or forsake me. I just have to trust in Him.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.-Joshua 1:9
