A new semester can often bring exciting challenges, but it is important to be reminded that, although college life is ever-changing, God is always the same. Hebrews 13:8 tells us “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Life is full of new seasons, and this can cause a reasonable feeling of uncertainty. However, as Christians, we can have confidence in Jesus Christ and can rely on his unchanging character to get us through every part of life.
When I became a student at Liberty University, it felt like a new beginning. Everything I had ever dreamed of was seemingly falling into place. I was in the process of trying out for the sport I loved; I was making connections with people in my career field, and I was finally getting out of my hometown.
I thought I could have it all, but in order to do that I needed to change myself. My time with the lord was minimal because I was “too busy.” When those things I dreamed of failed to meet my expectations, it was rough. The dream of being a college athlete was a disaster; nothing was going right, and I had to skip out on opportunities that would’ve boosted my future career and my social life.
I came into college feeling like the Lord was going before me. Liberty wasn’t my first choice when looking at different schools. There were so many coincidences that brought me here that I felt it had to be God guiding my steps.
However, my personality completely changed when I got here. I was no longer the extroverted, bubbly person I knew myself to be. Every day I just wanted to get through all my classes and go back to my room to be alone.
I also tried to escape Liberty as much as possible by returning to my hometown almost every weekend. That is something I never thought I would do because before I left, all I could think about was getting away.
It is commonly said, “Isolation is the devil’s playground.” In other words, the devil always has room to work when you isolate yourself. The things that I pursued began to fall away. I tried reinventing myself during this new season of my life, but it did not work.
Eventually, it got to a point where the only thing I could do was turn to the Lord.
When I finally asked him for help, the same God who had always been there answered me. He had been there even when I had failed to make him my priority. The things that I had been pursuing were blessings from him, yet I failed to recognize where they came from.
I intentionally distanced myself from the friends I had already made, refused to make new ones and didn’t pursue any opportunities that were offered to me.
I knew in my heart I wanted to grow, and I thought shutting down and pushing through was the way to do it, and the growth would come once I got the degree. However, I have since learned it’s not about becoming good enough or creating the perfect version of yourself. It’s about becoming more like Christ.
As you begin the new semester, strive to be like Christ. Set goals, but remember while goals are beneficial, do not let your identity rest in them. Instead, look at it as being faithful in what God has given you thus far.
Just because you set goals doesn’t mean they’re all going to go according to plan. You may fail a test, feel lonely, miss home or question your direction. It is in these seasons when it is most important to remember God’s faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
If I had remembered this verse in my season of heartache, it probably wouldn’t have taken so long for me to get through it.
So what does “New Year, Same God” actually mean? It means that this next season may hold exciting new adventures or unexpected challenges, but God is still just as faithful, merciful and loving.
You should not have to handle everything differently just because you are in a new season. Instead, remember that you are not alone. The Lord is always by your side, and he is guiding your steps according to his plan for your life.
My life verse is Joshua 1:9, which says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This was an important reminder for me when I was going through the challenges of my first semester as a Liberty student.
When I stopped relying on myself and finally trusted God with what was happening in my life, I was actually able to see my life flourish.
Now, I am approaching this new year with the mentality that no matter what happens, I will do everything for the glory of God because he is unchanging and his love never fails.
As your fresh start begins, I urge you to remember it is not about pursuing a new you. Instead, it is about remembering the same God who has been faithful through every season.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Walking in the steps of the Lord may not always be easy, but it will definitely bless you in the long run.
Ella Sizemore is the POV editor for The Liberty Champion.