Today, we’re going back to the past and talking all about college.
I’m very grateful for the time I had as a student because I grew so much in my faith (and honestly, it’s one of the biggest reasons why I started blogging!) — but it came with some crucial lessons I had to learn.
So, here are 10 things I wish I knew back then. Click below to watch:
Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
(Psalm 56:3 NKJV)
I remember my first roller coaster.
It was a warm, summer afternoon at a small, amusement park outside of town.
Among the day campers, families, and tired employees, there it was–
One of the two only rollercoasters in the entire kiddy park. Tracks shaped into small hills, slight turns, and barely-there dips. A train shaped like a friendly, green dragon that glided through it all.
I started to cry.
I was tall enough to ride the coaster, but young enough to be terrified of it.
Moments later, I was sitting next to Dad, strapped in–about to take it head on. Needless to say, I wasn’t ready. When the ride started, I cried so much that the operator stopped it so I could get off.
Years later, roller coasters became one of my favorite thrills. I don’t remember the time I tried a roller coaster for the second time, but at some point I made up my mind to face the fear–again. And as a result, I found something I love to do till this day.
My most precious experiences in life began with feelings of fear. Getting my first summer job. Taking a driver’s test to get my license. Moving out of state for college. Launching a public blog. Becoming a leader in a college ministry. Pursuing a career after college. The list goes on. Although I might have began these situations afraid, they pushed me towards major growth, deepened my relationship with God, helped me discover interests I love, and introduced me to people I would have never met.
Do you stop at the point of fear when an unfamiliar situation arises? Or do you rise to the occasion?
Pur·pose: The reason for which something is done or created; the reason for which something exists.
Here’s another lesson I learned while taking fine arts courses. Art supplies are expensive. Their quality affects the price, but they also get costly because you have to buy so many of them.
You don’t just need paper. You need the right kinds of paper. One drawing pad for charcoal drawings, another for ink. The list of materials for an average class is extensive, but it’s for a reason. From pencils to brushes, every item–although different–serves a unique purpose. What I can do with one tool, I cannot do with another. Working on one piece might require using several materials that have various effects.
When we accept Christ as our Savior, giving our heart to God, we can tap into our very own unique purpose.
We are freed from sin, forgiven by God, and reconciled to our Father, able to live fully in His love. Once dead in the weight of our sins, we are alive in Christ:
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:1-5 NIV).
We are made new, given a new life and a new attitude. God has prepared assignments for you that only you can do: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).
We discover our true purpose, or the reason we exist–to love God not just with our mouths but in all that we do. Good works don’t save us, but they prove whether or not we truly love God and belong to Him. James 2:17 states that “faith without works is dead.” You can talk the talk, but do you walk the walk?
When it came to buying art supplies for class, quality was essential. If I bought new paints that claimed to be of a certain quality, I expected them to be of that certain quality. If they didn’t do what they advertised, I couldn’t even use them!
As believers, we have a common responsibility to show others Christ. To show everyone His love and how He deeply cares for this world. Though we have a common goal, we can live it out in different ways. You might live out this responsibility through your career, a talent or skill you have, the words you say, the hospitality to show, etc.
It’s God’s will for everyone to have an opportunity to know Him, to have access to His freedom and eternal life in Him.
Can you imagine the major losses if we don’t live up to this responsibility?
There are consequences for not walking in your purpose. You have a story that nobody else can tell. Your life is a story that someone needs to hear. Others are counting on you to be served, to hear how God has changed your life, to be encouraged, to know Him for themselves.
God created you with intention. He knows the impact you can have on this world. He knows your personality, your patterns, your strengths, and your weaknesses. You’re not an accident. You are loved and made to be on this earth intentionally.
Don’t compare yourself to others. You’re not made to live out someone else’s purpose; you’re made to live out your own. So, be encouraged.
God has a job for you to do, and His love means He’ll help you accomplish this job. Whoever you are–a student, an employee, an entrepreneur, a friend, a sibling, a daughter–simply a living and breathing human being, you have opportunities to influence other people for good.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NKJV)
14 days of learning God’s love. Learn about the Love Letters here.
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It’s a wrap! Here’s the final video of the COLLEGE SERIES!
Planning for your future doesn’t have to wait. Today is all about how to build your career while in college–from finding a major, planning for your dream job, to networking successfully.
Click below to watch Part Four!
Part Three of the COLLEGE SERIES is here!
Meet your goals for the new school year with today’s advice! I’m giving tips on how to get better grades, stop procrastination, and increase your productivity.
Click below to watch Part Three!
We know that social life is a part of college, but balancing healthy relationships on campus can be challenging. In my newest COLLEGE SERIES YouTube video, I talk about building friendships, learning yourself, and keeping up with the people who care about you.
Click below to watch Part Two!
Welcome to part one of my new video series: COLLEGE SERIES
In each video, I’ll be talking about practical tips and advice on making the best of your college years. Today, I’m introducing the series with a tell-all about my personal experience being in college as a Christian.
Click below to watch Part One!
Fear is real. It paralyzes us in our lives and our faith, stopping us from fulfilling our purpose. Today, I talk about how we can grow in confidence and overcome fear once and for all!
Click below to watch!
My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
Psalm 130:6 (KJV)
Without batting an eye, I can tell you the top three most nerve-wrecking moments in college:
These three instances have something in common: UNCERTAINTY. There was no worse feeling in those moments than thinking: What’s about to happen!? I’ve done all I can, and I have no control in this!
Beyond the classroom, uncertainty hits us in other areas of our lives. Our purpose: Am I following God’s will for my life? Our relationships: What if I don’t get married? Am I going to have solid friendships? Our finances: How am I going to pay this bill? How soon am I going to get another job? It can be completely overwhelming. Yes, God promises He will provide for us, but does that mean He will specifically answer a prayer we’ve been requesting for days, weeks, or years?
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
(Psalm 1:3 KJV)
Grab a pen and paper. If you could have anything right now to make yourself happier, what would it be? List everything down that comes to mind.
What’s in your heart?
A few months ago before college graduation, I did this. It was the middle of spring semester, and it wasn’t the easiest senior spring. Some of my friends had one or two classes, and I had a full course load. Other friends had job offers since October, and I had no options in sight. I knew exactly what I needed to be happier: to graduate on the Dean’s List, a full-time offer for my dream job, etc. Basically, I would have LOVED a detailed road map of my future.
I didn’t get it, though. Instead I had to wait and take one day at a time. Ultimately, I wanted to be happy. I was totally content, but I wanted to know that when I walked across that stage in May, I would be taken care of.
Months later, I can tell you that God did give me the desires of my heart. I graduated summa cum laude, I got my dream opportunity. I can also tell you this doesn’t make me happy at the end of the day. The road to these things was unimaginable. But what makes me happy was that I chose to honor God when I didn’t understand.
LizMargaret 