Classes at Central Christian College of the Bible started yesterday. And I must say, this very much reminds me of the World Race gone USA. Only 2 months off the Race and here I go again, moving and adjusting to yet another environment. Yet another culture (albeit a sub-culture). And yet another ordinary adventure. I do not know what college has in store for me just as I did not know what the Race had in store for me. But I do know one thing for sure: Christ will be here with me the whole way. And I don’t mean that in a cliche, Sunday School way. I really got it at a new level the other day. Christ does not want a 15 min or 1 hr or 5 hr chunk of our day devoted to him, he wants our whole day! He doesn’t want me to save a spot in my schedule for him, he wants to go through my schedule WITH ME! In escence, he is not sitting on the sidelines or cheering us on from the bleachers. He is out on the field, in the game, calling plays, making blocks, passing opportunities, and pulling us along when it’s just all too much.
These classes mean more than just getting grades or a degree. I am seeking to understand more the glory and pesonality of God, the means by which I can bring the gospel, and skills to become a better spokes person for the kingdom of God. I am truly blessed to be in a country where education is available and funds are receivable. The United States Government gave me $2,675 to go to school to become a preacher. What an amazing blessing from God. I received $2,000 in various gifts from the people in my church and relative family. Do his blessings know any bounds? I have professors that are extremely educated in the bible and are eager to pass along that knowlege to me, as well as mentor and pray for me personally. What more glory can I give?
I came into this journey terrified of the work and afraid that God was not behind me. I spent hours fretting and worrying about how I was going to adjust to being a student again. I spent many a night nervous as a chihuahua about whether or not my financial aid would come in. Then God sent me a man by the name of Scott Johnson, a dear friend and man of faith (yes, you are), to encourage and lift me up; to remind me of the blessing and provision of God; ultimately, to pour into this man’s broken pot of a life. My friends, the Lord’s blessings are endless. And waiting for you to receive them.
As I said before, if I know just one thing, it is that Christ is with us always. Calling us to new things, blocking the schemes of the Devil, preparing opportunities to gain ground for the Kingdom (that’s for you BLING), and pulling us along when the sky starts falling down. It is going to be a long, hard game. Are you up for the challenge? I am. All to the glory of the King.
As a closing remark, now that I am in college, I just may start getting a little better in my spelling, grammar, and paragraph structuring. But then again, I don’t take English Comp until fall semester =). But I’m a patient man. Love to all. -Nate Chaplin
