Navigating a New Normal on Campus this Fall.
Kyle Austin • June 23, 2020
There is still much up in the air about the fall semester, but we do know that it is going to be much different than the norm. As a returning student or an incoming freshman, how do you navigate this new normal on campus?
Here are a few thoughts to consider:
1. Practice extreme patience.
It does not mean it will be easy! Ask God to help you each and every day to practice patience with people and situations you will encounter. Patience is one of the key indicators of a follower of Jesus Christ. Allow your patience in dealing with the circumstances around you to be a testimony to others of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Exercising patience actually produces hope in our lives. Think of that!
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Romans 5:3-5
"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
James 1:3-4
2. Remember everyone else around you is experiencing the same new normal.
You are not alone in what you are experiencing. Millions of students across the country are walking through the same issues as you on a daily basis.
3. Remember the main purpose why your are there.
While you want your college life to be perfect and exactly like what you had expected, you must remember the main purpose is to get an education and degree. This is a very important 4-8 years of your life but, it is just that, a small window in the bigger picture of your entire life.
4. Remember that God is still in control.
God has not taken His hands off of the wheel. He sees and hears everything that is going on in your life and He cares deeply!"And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt,and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;" Exodus 3:7
5. Seize this unique moment to find creative ways to share Jesus Christ with others.
This may be a time for you to shine! Seek creative ways that you can be an encouragement to others. They will definitely need it! This may be a unique time that they are more open to Jesus Christ and you might be the one to reveal His love and grace to them. Do not look at the circumstance as all negative but rather seek ways to produce positive through these unique circumstances.
One of the most common states people dwell in are unrest, anxiety, worry, and a lack of peace.
We never know the minds of others, we are never to assume their thoughts or intentions without pursuing the duty of reaching out.
As humans created in the image of God, there are many things we are given.
The things of God are...
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The Word of God is tried and true.
How ever so near is a shepherd to His sheep?
A new semester, a new opportunity
Does the Lord hear our prayers? Does He count our every tear?
Is a word ascribing a specific state to a body or a mind. In every living creature can sickness be seen.