Starting Now: College Is Hard. This Can Help.Sample

Faith 

You’ve probably noticed: The schedule of a college student is different from that of, well, just about everyone else. Want classes only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday? You can probably make that happen. Want to go on late-night food runs with your best friends? You can do that. Feel like sleeping all day and studying at night? Your decision. Your rhythm and how you live is up to you. 

The same is true for your relationship with God. You decide what your walk with God looks like. 

Paul talked about this in a letter he wrote to the Christians in Philippi. He said, “Continue to work out your salvation” (Philippians 2:12). Not that we need to work for salvation but, to those already following Jesus, to invest in their relationship with God. In other words, because you’ve already been made right with God, you need to live accordingly—not by following a formula, but by investing in the relationship, one as unique as you are. Should you pray? Sure, but when and how often is up to you. Should you read the Bible? Absolutely, but how you read is your call. Should you do the things that help you grow closer to God? Yes, but the rhythm and pace of it is something you have to work out for yourself. 

In other words, to have a mature faith, you have to work out your walk with God. 

Just remember you’re not on your own. God “works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). The same God who made mountains and volcanoes and galaxies and solar systems desires to be at work in your heart, on a regular basis, to help you work at becoming the best version of you. And He’s given you the freedom to decide the details of how, when, and how often. That’s a big deal.

Imagine that for a second. 

• What are a few areas where you could use God’s guidance right now?
• What are a few areas where you could use His power or comfort?

How could this semester be different for you if you decided to connect with God regularly in a meaningful way? Take some time to think about faith habits you can develop, starting now, that will help draw you closer to God.