Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
As you transition from high school to college, a blend of excitement and overwhelming emotions accompanies the anticipation of the adventures and newfound freedom campus life offers. Amidst the fun and novel experiences, there’s a realization that your home church won’t be part of this journey, especially if you’re attending college out of town or out of state. Hence the question arises, why seek God on campus when you’ve finally gained independence?
College can be an isolating environment
Some youths grapple with loneliness in college and find adjusting to a new place and unfamiliar faces somewhat overwhelming. Jayden a freshman in college reflects ‘connecting with peers and making friends requires proactive efforts to reach out, rather than passively waiting to be approached.’ God did not create us to be alone or exist in isolation as Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds ‘two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.’ For a rich and rewarding college journey, it is crucial to forge meaningful friendships and establish valuable connections.
Academic challenges abound in college courses
If you found high school workload overwhelming, brace yourself for an even more challenging academic experience in college. As a premed student, Jumoke found sophomore year particularly challenging, especially with the complexities of organic chemistry. ‘I felt like I was learning a different language. It opened me up to a whole new world of chemistry I never knew existed.’ In any major, difficulties may arise from the course content, instructors, peers, or scheduling. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, do not go into panic mode as it can lead to a health breakdown, anxiety, or even depression. Rather, remember the wisdom of Psalm 61:2 ‘when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.’
The concept of ‘adulting’ may feel like a deception
Moving off campus in junior year after two years in the residential dorms marked Tobe’s initial step into true adulthood. While proud of his new adult apartment, the reality set in as a steam of bills started arriving. He recalls that the initially advertised flat rate turned out to be deceptive, with hidden costs gradually surfacing. This prompted his need to save more diligently and budget meticulously each month. The real world presents opportunities for personal growth and can profoundly transform one’s life. 1 Corinthians 13:11 says, ‘When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.’
Relationships on Campus
Will you find Mr. Right or Miss Ideal? Well, with God nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26). College exposes you to a diverse range of people from various backgrounds, which calls for self-control as it is easy for many young individuals, lacking social and interpersonal skills, to find themselves in uncomfortable situations. In navigating relationships, it’s crucial to seek guidance through prayer and trust in divine direction. While on campus, prioritize your academic pursuits, as that is the primary purpose of attending college. If romance enters the picture, remember that as Christians, our approach to dating and courtship differs from societal norms.
Rediscovering the presence of Christ within you
As many Christian youths are initially introduced to Christianity by their parents, being a Christian on campus provides an opportunity to personally connect with God and explore one’s true self and purpose. Navigating college life alone can be perplexing, which is why the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries has established the MFM campus fellowship. Its aim is to engage and guide youths in different colleges, nurture future leaders, and promote initiatives for winning souls for Christ. To have one established in your college, please contact coordinator@mfmyouthministries.org . It’s a home away from home. How was the college experience for you? Leave us a comment.
Prayers
1. O Lord order my spirit and fashion my life according to you perfect will in Jesus name.
2. I will not lose my salvation in the mighty name of Jesus.
3. Lord Jesus, impart into me thoughts that are higher than my own thoughts in Jesus name.
4. Power of Godly focus and concentration, overshadow me in Jesus name.
5. The prevailing power of God, come upon me in Jesus name.