Remember you are not alone. Though they may be hard to find, there are people on campus who share your Christian beliefs. I remember my first semester thinking I was literally the only person on campus who had a Christian worldview. Fortunately, I was wrong. You may not meet every Christian student within the first week, month, or maybe even year. It can feel very isolating, especially if you don't know anyone at first, but refuse to give up hope! It may take time, but they are out there somewhere!
Find a religious group to plug into. I cannot emphasize this enough! Look to see what type of Christian organizations are on your campus! I was blessed enough to find TWO Christian groups that are full of loving, Godly people. If there is not a Christian group already established, maybe God will lead you to start one.
Rely on relationships from your family, friends, and church. If you're attending college away from home, find a church home for the time you're there. Someone from the church will likely be willing to pick you up and drop you off if you don't have transportation.
Be the one to reach out to others. It is more blessed to give than to receive, and truly he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. The world is full of broken souls who need to be reminded that they are valued, loved, and needed.
Be confident in your faith. Read an apologetics book if it'll help you be more comfortable with your responses to tough questions. I really liked "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel. Never apologize or be embarrassed to confess your faith. Your beliefs are just as valid as anyone else's, and you have every right to them.
Keep up your Bible reading and prayer time. Life gets super busy with college classes, so keep your time with God a priority. As Corrie ten Boom says, "Don't pray when you feel like it. Rather, have an appointment with the Lord, and keep it!" Pencil it in your schedule if it'll help you keep your appointment. As wonderful as outside Christian friends, groups, and churches are, they cannot take the place of your personal time alone with the Lord.
Be rooted in your beliefs, but have an open mind. I started college with the mindset that I had to shield and protect myself from everyone and everything that I might come into contact with because it would go against my beliefs. I am blessed to say this has not been my experience. I've had my share of outspoken atheistic professors, but the good far outweighs the bad and they did not succeed in pushing their beliefs on me.
Remember God is with you ALWAYS (Matthew 28:20). You are never alone because God is with you and has gone before you. He is the One who will give you strength and keep you safe in His loving arms. Rest in the promise that He will never leave you or forsake you.
Blessings,
Emily
No comments:
Post a Comment