Jesus in Every Season: College Edition
Growing up, I would have considered myself a Christian. I went to church off and on and I went to a Christian school for seven years of my life. It wasn’t until the summer after I graduated high school that I decided I wanted to live my life fully for Christ. I chose to enter into a relationship with Him, and my life has not been the same since. After taking the past few weeks reflecting on what to write, I couldn’t choose just one thing. So, I decided to narrow it down to four lessons I have learned through my college years.
1) My identity is not found in my accomplishments, friendships, achievements but solely who Christ says I am. This is special to me because I know how much freedom there is in being God’s daughter. I have also experienced the lack of security by putting my identity in the things of this world. It is so easy to put our identity in people, sports, accomplishments, and status. It is a lie from the enemy that these things will fulfill us. Only God is able to fill the God-sized hole in your heart. Everything else is a temporary supplement. I am not saying all of these things are bad because you do have passions, desires, and interests for a reason.
God has created each of us intentionally, and it’s amazing to see the gifts that He has given us. The issue comes when we place these things above God in our heart. A good question to reflect on is, “If this wasn’t in my life anymore, would I truly be okay?”
2) Find your community and people. Community is crucial to the life of a believer. It helps you grow, challenges you, holds you accountable, and encourages you. I have been in a season where I didn’t have a close community. I got involved in a group, but it wasn’t the right fit for me. I was frustrated and confused why it wasn’t working the way I wanted it to. That season was definitely challenging, but it was the season I learned how to trust God and His timing. My intimacy with the Lord grew greatly in that season.
If you're in a place where you feel like you haven’t found your people, don’t lose heart. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all of your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Jesus knows your deepest longings and desire and He is more than willing to fill them. We will be in a relationship with Jesus for eternity and we have the opportunity to grow with Him right now. Even when there is brokenness, sin, hurt, and guilt, we still have the opportunity to draw near to Him. Isn’t that just beautiful? Continue to press in with Him and trust that He will bring your people at the right time.
3) Jesus is everything we need in every situation.Take a second and think about this truth: Jesus is everything we need in every situation. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” Jesus is enough! We have everything we need in Him. We have access to the One who completes us. We have access to the One who was tempted in every way, yet did not fall to sin.
Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a great high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet, He did not sin.” Jesus faced every temptation we face on a daily basis. He understands how frustrating and hard sin is. This is probably one of the statements that has brought me the most comfort. No matter what happens in this life on earth, I belong to Jesus. I have been bought with the blood of Christ and I do not live for myself anymore. No matter how many times I sin, mess up, run away from Him, follow myself, He is still there. Jesus still loves me.
John 10:28 says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
God loves you and His love is active. God loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for me and you. He loves us so much that He is active in our lives today. We are fully known by Him and we don’t have to fear rejection. He comes to the sinners and he so graciously sanctifies us. Our God is so great, the list is endless. These are just a few ways Jesus has been everything to me and I would encourage you to dive deep into who Jesus is to you.
4) You always have a choice. This is probably one of the most beneficial things I have implemented into my life. Not only has this changed the way I look at challenges, it has helped me grow in the way I respond to hard situations. Having the right perspective is key. The bottom line is this: everything is an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus. It is as simple as that. It may not seem like it, but don’t be quick to limit what God can do. He can move way beyond the limits you have set for Him.
Let’s be honest, life is tough. We are in a daily battle against sin. We go through seasons where we can lose sight of eternity, where it’s easy to dwell on our circumstances. It can seem like our situation is the end of the world. Instead, we should choose to change our perspective and look at the bigger picture. Romans 8:28 says, ”And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We know God and his character. He is working all things out for our good and His glory.
You always have a choice. You can either choose to stay in your current situation and dwell on it or you can choose to ask yourself, “What is God teaching me through this situation? How can I grow from this? How can I turn towards Christ right now?” God is in everything and there is always an opportunity to grow and learn from your current situation. Our God is so good and gives us purpose. Some of the worst things we go through turn into part of our testimony. Our testimony not only impacts us but those around us as well. So, you always have a choice. See what God has for you in your trial and gain an eternal perspective. Choosing Jesus is always worth it!
