So, it’s been a while since my previous blog post. For those who are interested, I made it through summer school! Thank God. Two B’s and an A. Talk about a tough month, it was jam packed with a ton of information and stress. With the hindsight I have now, it’s neat looking back and remembering all those moments when I just wanted to give up, to throw in the towel, yet I continued to trek forward, and persevere. It was a stout dose of God’s provision, grace, and mercy. The Bible talks a lot about perseverance. About how to not give up, when that’s all you want to do. It makes you wonder, so being a Christ follower means there will come many times when you will want to quit. James 1:12 says this: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” I feel like there many people who are struggling to persevere, who want to quit, give up, throw in the towel. While that is an option, there is something far greater in not running away from the trials of life. It’s through those trials that we learn more and more to rely on Christ, and to desire Him above all else. It’s easy to pray and ask God to be closer to him, and to experience a greater intimacy with him, but avoid going through what’s necessary to make that prayer a reality. What would happen if we actually took joy in the trials we’re facing, knowing that through them we are growing in intimacy with our Creator, and Father.
This morning was a momentous morning for First Baptist Church Lubbock. Our University Ministry has recently made a big change, to eliminate the service that’s previously been solely for college students, and absorb it into our 11am service, which is attended primarily by our families and youth, and the majority of the rest of the congregation. We also invited some of the university students, and youth students to sing in the choir this morning. As I glanced over the singers in the choir, it was obvious that some of them had a deeper understanding of their need for Jesus, based on how they worshipped. I’m not talking about the people who raise their hands, and move their body during worship. But there were some that you just knew were authentically worshiping and praising their Savior and King, and who were incredibly sincere and genuine. It didn’t have so much to do with their physical posture, but rather their subtle intentionality in pouring themselves out unto Christ during musical worship. It was refreshing to see this. It made me think of my life, and how some of the sweetest times of worship I’ve ever experienced were during some of the hardest seasons of my life. That’s the common denominator. Trials have the power to drive us far from God, or, if we let them, they can become strong currents driving us closer to God than we’ve ever been before.
I’m so glad I persevered through summer courses. Turns out taking 9 hours of grad classes over the course of one month is not a smart move. Another example of learning the hard way. But, God redeemed it for my good and for His glory, and taught me a lot about not giving up, and leaning on Him for the strength to continue forward.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the fall semester. It’s crazy that this is quite possibly my last semester of college. It makes you think about all the semesters past. Going back to this morning at church, it’s obvious that God is doing a lot at my church here in Lubbock. This morning was the kick-off Sunday for the Fall, so the University ministry had a time to introduce all of our LifeGroup leaders and the new community group leaders to our student body. It was a rewarding time seeing new leaders step up to the plate and use their gifts and abilities to serve, disciple, and grow. What an impact that has had on my life, and here I am watching new faces do the same. Joyous! It’ll be tough not being a leader this fall, but God is calling me to train, disciple, and allow others to fill the spot that I’ve had for so long. This will certainly be a transition season for me, as I finish up college, and embark on a journey that’s sure to change my life, and shape my life: the World Race.
