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Day 5 – Transition
The first month of college can be wonderful, fun and exciting, but it can also be exhausting, lonely, alienating and challenging. You may already be struggling to get along with your roommate. You may have met hundreds of people but still feel friendless.
You may miss home. You may long for your high school friends. You came to Belmont thinking you were beginning the best four years of your life, when the reality has been much more difficult than you imagined.
It’s going to be okay.
No matter what you are feeling right now, there are dozens—probably hundreds—of other new students feeling the exact same way. You are not alone. Your experience is totally normal.
In Joshua, chapter 1, God tells Joshua that he is now the leader of the Israelites and that the promises God originally made to Moses are still true for Joshua. He tells Joshua three times, “Be strong and courageous!” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9) Joshua must have been terrified, anxious and overwhelmed with the prospect of taking over Moses’ leadership. If he wasn’t, God wouldn’t have had to tell him repeatedly to be strong and courageous!
Just like God’s promises to Moses were still true for Joshua, God’s promises to Joshua still hold true for you. He is with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. (Joshua 1:5) In Joshua 1:7–8, God gives Joshua the keys to success: If you know God’s word and are careful to obey it, you will be successful. Therefore, you can be strong and courageous; you have nothing to fear!
So the next time you feel overwhelmed or discouraged that your transition into college isn’t going as smoothly as you had hoped, be strong and courageous. Know that God is with you and He’s got you. Dig into His Word and find comfort knowing that He is in control.
Feeling really strong and courageous? Consider asking some of your new friends how the transition is really going for them. You’ll find that if you are open and honest about your own struggles transitioning, others will follow suit. Help create a culture of authenticity where we aren’t all just faking it until we make it, but rather, being open and real about the challenges we face.
HANNA EASLEY | Coordinator of Student Enrichment for Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
The first month of college can be wonderful, fun and exciting, but it can also be exhausting, lonely, alienating and challenging. You may already be struggling to get along with your roommate. You may have met hundreds of people but still feel friendless.
You may miss home. You may long for your high school friends. You came to Belmont thinking you were beginning the best four years of your life, when the reality has been much more difficult than you imagined.
It’s going to be okay.
No matter what you are feeling right now, there are dozens—probably hundreds—of other new students feeling the exact same way. You are not alone. Your experience is totally normal.
In Joshua, chapter 1, God tells Joshua that he is now the leader of the Israelites and that the promises God originally made to Moses are still true for Joshua. He tells Joshua three times, “Be strong and courageous!” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9) Joshua must have been terrified, anxious and overwhelmed with the prospect of taking over Moses’ leadership. If he wasn’t, God wouldn’t have had to tell him repeatedly to be strong and courageous!
Just like God’s promises to Moses were still true for Joshua, God’s promises to Joshua still hold true for you. He is with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. (Joshua 1:5) In Joshua 1:7–8, God gives Joshua the keys to success: If you know God’s word and are careful to obey it, you will be successful. Therefore, you can be strong and courageous; you have nothing to fear!
So the next time you feel overwhelmed or discouraged that your transition into college isn’t going as smoothly as you had hoped, be strong and courageous. Know that God is with you and He’s got you. Dig into His Word and find comfort knowing that He is in control.
Feeling really strong and courageous? Consider asking some of your new friends how the transition is really going for them. You’ll find that if you are open and honest about your own struggles transitioning, others will follow suit. Help create a culture of authenticity where we aren’t all just faking it until we make it, but rather, being open and real about the challenges we face.
HANNA EASLEY | Coordinator of Student Enrichment for Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
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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We would like to thank the students, faculty & staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
