Freshman Reflections From Belmont UniversitySample
Day 36 – Faith
Type A+++ to a fault. I am altruistic; I like finding reason and meaning. Despite the fact that I plan most of my life down to the second, there are just some things for which you cannot plan. Realizing your dress was on backwards at 3 p.m., the announcement of the proverbial pop quiz and the biggest one for me—when my dad was diagnosed with cancer.
No line of my planner was ever prepared to contain the word “cancer,” and Staples does not make a pen color for a tumor removal surgery. I struggled with putting words together to express my anger and sadness. How could this happen to me? How could this happen to my family? How could God place something like this in my life?
There is no perfect way to prepare or plan for change whether expected or unexpected, terrifying or exciting. In this season of transition, at times the change will be so overwhelming you’ll find yourself questioning if Belmont is right for you, if everything is working the way you imagined it would, and if God is really listening to the prayers you have for your future. Know that you are not alone in asking these questions, but also remember, no matter how persistently we inquire or adamantly we demand answers, we don’t have the capacity to truly understand what God is orchestrating. That’s where faith comes into the equation. Have faith that the Lord has a plan for you and that He makes all things good and beautiful. With Him at your right hand and faith as your focus, you will not be shaken, and you won’t need a daily planner pen to face the transition.
MADISON SHULTZ
Junior, Corporate Communications major
Type A+++ to a fault. I am altruistic; I like finding reason and meaning. Despite the fact that I plan most of my life down to the second, there are just some things for which you cannot plan. Realizing your dress was on backwards at 3 p.m., the announcement of the proverbial pop quiz and the biggest one for me—when my dad was diagnosed with cancer.
No line of my planner was ever prepared to contain the word “cancer,” and Staples does not make a pen color for a tumor removal surgery. I struggled with putting words together to express my anger and sadness. How could this happen to me? How could this happen to my family? How could God place something like this in my life?
There is no perfect way to prepare or plan for change whether expected or unexpected, terrifying or exciting. In this season of transition, at times the change will be so overwhelming you’ll find yourself questioning if Belmont is right for you, if everything is working the way you imagined it would, and if God is really listening to the prayers you have for your future. Know that you are not alone in asking these questions, but also remember, no matter how persistently we inquire or adamantly we demand answers, we don’t have the capacity to truly understand what God is orchestrating. That’s where faith comes into the equation. Have faith that the Lord has a plan for you and that He makes all things good and beautiful. With Him at your right hand and faith as your focus, you will not be shaken, and you won’t need a daily planner pen to face the transition.
MADISON SHULTZ
Junior, Corporate Communications major
About this Plan
This 40-day prayer plan was written by students, faculty and staff at Belmont University as a daily devotional for incoming freshmen. Each day guides and encourages new college students in their faith in Jesus Christ through the word of God and the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of the contributing authors. May these words help you grow in your love for God and your love for others!
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