College?

God works in mysterious ways sometimes. To be honest, I wish I always knew what he was working towards and why; but as his daughter and follower I have to put all trust in him.

When it came to making the big decision about college endeavors, I was clueless. I had done all my research, taken all the tours, surfed collegeboard.com, and received countless brochures in the mail. Superficially speaking, I had done everything correctly and followed the rule book to a T. So why did I feel like a fish out of water, flopping around helplessly?

Let me tell ya, thanks to my past experience in theater I was able to put up a good front. If people asked about college, the actress in me would smile and come up with some answer that I thought would satisfy the interested party. April and May came quickly this year, and while all of my friends were excited about making their decision final… I was still struggling, big time.

For a while, I tried to convince myself that this one particular school was right for me. Deep down, I knew it was wrong. When I prayed about it, I knew it was wrong. But when I looked at it from a worldly position, it was right. Therefore the commencement of an inward and spiritual battle took place. Why would God open the doors to somewhere I shouldn’t be, yet close doors to other schools that seemed to fit? Privately tears flowed easily and often, soon people close to me realized that starting a conversation about college was to be left uncharted.

I committed to a school so that I would have the security. Let’s pause for a moment and point out my stupidity. My security was placed in a school. Does anyone else see a major problem with that fact?? My security, without a doubt, should be invested solely in God, nothing else!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Proverbs 3:5

           In late June, after spending time on a mission’s trip and talking with Christian friends, I realized how selfish I had been with this big step in my life. I had been so focused on my decision that I hadn't truly stopped and listened to what God had to say. I prayed and I applied to Grove City.

My application was not processed until the beginning of July, so there was a slim chance that things would work out for this upcoming fall.

 I told God the desires of my heart and for the first time gave all of my doubts and worries to Him. Simply telling God that I trusted him and would follow wherever he led was freeing. The "type A" personality in me likes to have control, but I was at peace. I knew that no matter what happened, even if that meant taking a semester off, God had big plans for me.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
- Jeremiah 29:11

Fast forward to mid-July. Grove City called with an offer of admissions for the fall. After listening to that particular voicemail, I spent time rejoicing with God; dancing around like a fool and loudly shouting thankful praise. All the doors have opened, prayers have been answered, and I have been blessed.

On August 25^th, 2011, I will venture into North Hall dorms as a freshman. I will step foot onto Grove City campus as a bright-eyed, nervous, young woman. I will be even more anxious to see God work in mysterious ways throughout the next four years. I will be holding the comforting hand of my heavenly father as I strive to follow him.

If I have learned one thing from my college hunting experience, it is this: God created me, he knows me, and on top of that he loves the guts out of me. It has become clear that he has wonderful plans for me, if I am willing to listen and obey. I cannot imagine a better Father. What do I have to say to putting my trust in him? Sign me up!