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Day 20 – Transition
Often in life we reach great milestones definitive of the skill sets we have, gifts we are anointed with or assistance we’ve been given. It sometimes becomes very easy to marginalize the value of the experience(s) which have shaped our lives. If you think about it, you or someone you know has been involved in situations that could have been in the reverse—but it happened in your favor.
There was the ability to have acquired the knowledge to pass the AP exam when you may not have prepared your best. There was scoring the winning points in an athletic contest when maybe the opponent appeared to be far superior. There are times when one desires to be self-absorbed, but you are overcome with a servant’s heart in the community and that allowed for you to parlay your experience into a service scholarship.
In all of these scenarios it is important to recognize your special abilities, but more important is to recognize who provided you with these special abilities. Throughout the Bible there is great provision from above and one of the most essential things is to offer up praise. I can think of many clichés about praising God while you are in the valley or on top of the mountain.
How God brought you to it, so He will bring you through it. Those are fine, but let’s think simplistically—when we as humans (think humanly, not spiritually) do things for others, a little appreciation is not frowned upon. “Can I get a thank you…” The good thing for us is we serve a God who has our best interest at heart even when we are oftentimes not deserving. Guess what—He provides for us anyway.
My point as you embark upon this academic journey is that there are going to be highs and lows. The best advice I can give you is to celebrate God no matter the situation. Even when family and friends disappoint you, God’s unchanging hand will be there.
You may not readily recognize the blessing and provision, but it is there. I challenge you to stand firm on the solid foundation of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. If ever there was a winning team, this is the one, and they have offered us an invitation to be teammates. Imagine how our team can change the world. Remain focused and enjoy this experience.
#BelieveConfessLive #2020
DR. JEFFREY BURGIN
Associate Provost and Dean of Students
Often in life we reach great milestones definitive of the skill sets we have, gifts we are anointed with or assistance we’ve been given. It sometimes becomes very easy to marginalize the value of the experience(s) which have shaped our lives. If you think about it, you or someone you know has been involved in situations that could have been in the reverse—but it happened in your favor.
There was the ability to have acquired the knowledge to pass the AP exam when you may not have prepared your best. There was scoring the winning points in an athletic contest when maybe the opponent appeared to be far superior. There are times when one desires to be self-absorbed, but you are overcome with a servant’s heart in the community and that allowed for you to parlay your experience into a service scholarship.
In all of these scenarios it is important to recognize your special abilities, but more important is to recognize who provided you with these special abilities. Throughout the Bible there is great provision from above and one of the most essential things is to offer up praise. I can think of many clichés about praising God while you are in the valley or on top of the mountain.
How God brought you to it, so He will bring you through it. Those are fine, but let’s think simplistically—when we as humans (think humanly, not spiritually) do things for others, a little appreciation is not frowned upon. “Can I get a thank you…” The good thing for us is we serve a God who has our best interest at heart even when we are oftentimes not deserving. Guess what—He provides for us anyway.
My point as you embark upon this academic journey is that there are going to be highs and lows. The best advice I can give you is to celebrate God no matter the situation. Even when family and friends disappoint you, God’s unchanging hand will be there.
You may not readily recognize the blessing and provision, but it is there. I challenge you to stand firm on the solid foundation of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. If ever there was a winning team, this is the one, and they have offered us an invitation to be teammates. Imagine how our team can change the world. Remain focused and enjoy this experience.
#BelieveConfessLive #2020
DR. JEFFREY BURGIN
Associate Provost and Dean of Students
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 and staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
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