I Could Not Have Planned This

If you would have asked me a month ago how I felt about going to college. I probably would tell you that I’m scared that I won't make any friends. I am scared to death to leave my family. I would go on and on about how I will never feel the same in Manhattan as I did in Louisburg. Well, I was wrong.

      Today those answers from “me of the past” are no longer relevant. I have been on campus for roughly two weeks and I already feel right at home. Manhattan has become my home away from home. Not only have I joined a great sorority, but I have already made some amazing friends who have welcomed me with open arms. I never would have expected this. God’s plan for me here at K-State is in the beginning stages, but I see all the work from the past that has lead me to this moment. How each challenge has strengthened my faith and due to that challenge I am able to be confident in the Lord.

      God’s plan cannot be guessed nor imagined in its full glory, but it can be witnessed. I see it happening all around me in school, in my friends, and in my roommate. There are people placed on this earth to help guide us along the path. To encourage us. To help us through the difficult times. To be a shoulder to cry on. To be a brother/sister in Christ. I believe that these people are a gift from God.

As I was reading in my Bible the other day I came across this verse: John 5:37. “One plants and another harvests. And it’s true I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”

This hit home. I realized that my spiritual journey has been guided along the way by many people in my church, my family, and now at college. My early faith was taught by my parents, my Sunday school teachers, and cute Bible coloring pages. As I grew older, my faith in Jesus grew with me. Increasing each day by youth group on Monday nights and encouragement from my friends throughout the week. This summer, the Youth Mission Trip took my faith to new heights (literally, we were up in the mountains all week). I found a love of serving people and spreading God’s Word. Now, I’m at college. Who knows where my faith will go next? But, I know that God has people here to help me all the way, just like he has done in the past.

So, my challenge for you: What does your spiritual journey look like? Who has inspired you along the way? And lastly, who do you want to inspire?

Don’t Let Fear Consume You

Fears can consume our lives, to the point where we choose to sit out on the newest roller coaster or even decide to not scuba dive by the Great Barrier Reef. No matter who you are, everyone is afraid of something and that’s okay. Luckily, we each have a special person who is always there to help us through it.

His name is Jesus.

Not only is He righteous, but He is humble and willing to help you through the toughest times. When we see no future for our lives, He gives us hope. When we are too weak to stand, He gives us strength. When all we can do is cry, He is there counting every tear that falls. Jesus isn’t going to leave you.

Fun fact: Did you know that the Bible says the phrase “Do not be afraid” 365 times? It is constantly reminding us that Jesus is walking with us every step of the way. Personally, I struggle with fear. I let each fear consume my life to the point where I can’t stop worrying about it. Each time this happens, I have learned to take a step back. Breathe in and out. Realize that I am not going through it alone. God is going with me, even if others are staying behind.

There comes a point in our lives when things are going to change, people will move away, and loved ones will die. This moment is where our fear of the future becomes overwhelming, but despite all the setbacks we experience – OUR GOD IS GREATER! With His strength we can climb mountains, we can push through our fear, and we can be COURAGEOUS!

Lately, college has been on my mind. I am moving away for the first time in less than two weeks. Once my parents drive off that will be it, I am officially on my own. At least, that is what I thought a few days ago. I now realize that I will also be bringing Jesus along for the ride.

Our fears may be daunting, but with God NOTHING is impossible. No matter what fears you face today (big or small) know that God is with you every step of the way.

During your life there will be people or voices in this world that are going to try to stop your faith. They will tempt you will jewels, clothes, money, social status, and a million other worldly things. This is the time to remember who you are and who you serve. These voices will tell you that you are not pretty enough, or smart enough, or wealthy enough. 

DO NOT listen to these voices, because in the eyes of Jesus you are His child. He loves you unconditionally. He made you in His image. Trust in His grace, believe in the Word, and follow the path of righteousness.  

The fears you face today will seem unbearable, but with our God nothing is impossible.

XOXO

Ashley