During my senior year of high school, the pressures of what college I should go to and what I should do after that really got the best of me. I stopped thinking about where I would glorify God the most. I decided to go to a university that I felt comfortable at, a place where I had a very strong group of friends. If you asked me then, that would have been the only reason which I later realized was not enough. I was not doing anything for the Lord. I was careless and at times forgot about my faith. I knew that the Lord was pushing me in a direction to love him even more through this time of struggle, but I didn’t know what to do about it.
Until I read Jeremiah 29:11. Which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” After reading this over and over I knew what the Lord was telling me. I needed to stop thinking about what I can do and start thinking about what the Lord can do through me and for me.
At that point, on that day, I realized that I did not belong there. So, I prayed and prayed until finally the Lord answered with something, I thought was crazy at the time. James Madison University Young Life. I thought “really God, a new school, I’ll have to make new friends and completely start over.” These thoughts overcame me and made me nervous for what I was about to do.
Honestly though, who am I to question what the Lord clearly placed in front of me?
Exactly one year ago, I submitted my official transcript to JMU. I wanted to be at a place where I could serve the Lord and have friends that hold me accountable in every season. I wanted to be surrounded by people with a similar faith. The Lord knew what he was doing when I went away to my first university, it was not to punish me or to lead me off the right path. Instead it was to grow in my relationship with him and to pursue something more than myself. I realized that my selfish plan of picking where to go simple for comfort was not to glorify Him.
The verse 1 Thessalonians 5:18 helped me through this time of constant over thinking. It says, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This verse allowed me to thank Jesus for what he did in my life during this season even if I didn’t always accept how wrong it was for me.
The Lord placed this experience in my lap for me to figure out through him. Before JMU, I met my best friend, a person who continues to support me and love me in ways that I never had. I know the Lord placed her in my life for all the right reasons and for that, I am so grateful. Leaving her was so hard but coming to JMU, I was given a community. I was able to grow and now have the opportunity to serve in a way I am so thankful for.
I followed the Lords calling and I pray that anyone reading this has the strength to do the same. It is so special to know that the Lord planned a path for each and every one of us. He is the Creator of all things. I now make the most out of every opportunity given and without the Lord’s guidance, none of this would of been possible.
Love,
Kasie
