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Day 37 – Service
So, I had what I’d call a tough year. Joyfully, I gave birth to twins! However, my new little girl was “sick.” She was born weighing only three pounds, and with a neurological condition which has already required two surgeries in her short three months of life.
Oh, how I’ve prayed! I asked God daily for strength, strength for her to withstand her operations, and strength for me to do what is needed to help her get well. Now, I am not a super open person. I tend to struggle through tough times on my own, sharing a happy face with the world, preferring to be the support for others. However, one day, I randomly felt led to open up about this situation. I posted a brief status update on my Facebook page about what my family was going through. No biggie.
I NEVER expected the response I received, nor the impact it had on me. From my closest friends to my one-time acquaintances, hundreds of people “liked” my status, commented that they and others were praying for me, sent encouraging messages, asked how they could help, and simply sent an abundance of electronic love. I knew that God was showing His love and support for me through these amazing people, lending me strength when I was weak.
Facebook is one type of community, but it is a particularly exciting time in your lives as incoming freshmen, because you will find an even better community within in this campus. Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” As you encounter all of your highs and lows this year, I encourage you to draw upon the strength of those around you. Let God show you, through these people, that you are not alone. And as you are a part of someone else’s community, pay attention to times when one of your fellow students needs support, and take a moment to uplift him or her.
As it says in Colossians 3:16, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Together, through God, we are made strong.
Jamie Shaffer | Assistant Director of Residence Life
So, I had what I’d call a tough year. Joyfully, I gave birth to twins! However, my new little girl was “sick.” She was born weighing only three pounds, and with a neurological condition which has already required two surgeries in her short three months of life.
Oh, how I’ve prayed! I asked God daily for strength, strength for her to withstand her operations, and strength for me to do what is needed to help her get well. Now, I am not a super open person. I tend to struggle through tough times on my own, sharing a happy face with the world, preferring to be the support for others. However, one day, I randomly felt led to open up about this situation. I posted a brief status update on my Facebook page about what my family was going through. No biggie.
I NEVER expected the response I received, nor the impact it had on me. From my closest friends to my one-time acquaintances, hundreds of people “liked” my status, commented that they and others were praying for me, sent encouraging messages, asked how they could help, and simply sent an abundance of electronic love. I knew that God was showing His love and support for me through these amazing people, lending me strength when I was weak.
Facebook is one type of community, but it is a particularly exciting time in your lives as incoming freshmen, because you will find an even better community within in this campus. Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” As you encounter all of your highs and lows this year, I encourage you to draw upon the strength of those around you. Let God show you, through these people, that you are not alone. And as you are a part of someone else’s community, pay attention to times when one of your fellow students needs support, and take a moment to uplift him or her.
As it says in Colossians 3:16, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Together, through God, we are made strong.
Jamie Shaffer | Assistant Director of Residence Life
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 Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
