My junior year I transferred to a performing arts school in downtown St. Paul, and the two years that I spent there was a huge test for my faith everyday. The school was very anti-Christian and anti-conservative, and all around me were opportunities to witness to people who really needed it. My closest friends were mostly atheist except for one of my friends who was Mormon. It was hard trying to talk to them about something they had such strong opinions on, and unfortunately, I never spoke to my atheist friends about God's love. They knew that I was a Christian, but still spoke harshly about how Christians were "closed-minded and discriminating" around me. During these years my faith felt like a roller coaster, constantly changing from better to worse to better again.
Even though I didn't do well with the test God put in front of me at that school, I know that it made a huge impact on me. My faith is so much stronger now, and I know that it was God's plan for me to go there because it influenced me to go into the ministry. Looking back, the test was a blessing even though it was tough at times. It's so encouraging to know that every test we go through is going to equip us, and others in the future. I love the passage that Paula posted from Romans. It's so motivating and keeps our eyes on the future God has in store for us! One passage that came to my mind that is useful in times of trials and testing is Hebrews 13:5-6.
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Praying for you all!
-Jess
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Thank you for being honest about your experience. I understand how one's faith can feel like a roller coaster at times. It is my prayer that God continue bringing us close to him!! Life is no life without HIM!! :)
ReplyDelete(You have a wonderful way with words!)
I want to memorize that verse. I am experiencing a school full of philosophies and false teachings that many accept and explore with gusto. It can be hard to be in the world and not of it, trying to discern what others believe and where they are coming from and organize my thoughts by the light of God's Word. If I spend more time trying to understand their beliefs than I do in prayer and in God's Word, I become bogged down and exhausted. I could use prayers for discernment in learning basic philosophies/evolutionary beliefs and knowing when to shut my mouth and listen/be discrete and evoke curiosity from others and when to most certainly open my mouth and speak of my faith. I have a class where we talk openly about ideas (like a seminar), and I see some good in leaving my Christianity a mystery, because it can sometimes make people curious about why I believe the things I do, but I know there will be a time and place to acknowledge God, and I am praying for the right opportunity.
ReplyDelete*that verse, being Hebrews
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