This past weekend between a surprise 18th birthday for my cousin and the prom for my senior daughter, I was surrounded by young people who are about to enter into the next big phase of their life…COLLEGE.
One of the stances the kids (yes, they are still kids to me) positioned themselves in was a praying hand pose because (I think this was why) Josh (my completely surprised cousin) will be attending a Christian college. Many of the soon-to-be-graduates whom I encountered this past weekend proclaim to be Christians. This made me think… “You may not go to a Christian college, but remember that you are a Christian in college.”
Kids, soon-to-be-graduates, students, young adults, child of mine, children of God, or whatever you want to be called…
- Don’t go to college unarmed. Arm yourself with God’s armor. I’m in a study now and the author brought out the fact that God isn’t supplying us (you) with a hand-me-down armor. No! He is giving you HIS armor. Put it on and be ready for the many battles that will come your way. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Stand firm in your faith. (1 Corinthians 16:13)
- You’re not alone in the temptations that will be set before you. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
Ephesians 6:10-18, A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
1Corinthians 10:12-13 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Oh, I’m quite sure that this won’t be the last journal entry directed to college in and bound students. Since one of my own will be leaving the nest in two months, I’ll be sharing more biblical based wisdom. And the wonderful thing is, these verses and thoughts aren’t just aimed at graduates, but for all of us as growing Christians.
I’m gonna miss this chic. Praying for you always, Holly Anne. Love you.
HAPPY 18th, JOSHUA!
HANG ON, SENIORS…YOURE ALMOST DONE!
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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I so appreciate all you have done for these Seniors. What a blessing from God they all are. As a grandmother I cannot believe the day is almost here. Eric’s (my first born) child, his first born Joshua, off to college? Where did the time go?
All those years, the memories of Joshua as he was growing up. Tears fill my eyes with love. The thing that makes my heart so full now, is that all these soon to be graduates, love the Lord. Everything you have said was perfect and true. May God go with them wherever they are. Continue this good work Stephanie.