I’m just gonna be straight with you- transitions are hard. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it or anything, they just are. Coming to college is the biggest transition of your life. It’s full of unknowns and high expectations that seem unreachable--what’s the best study plan, where do I go to find the right friends (BCM, *cough, cough*), what church do I attend, etc. These are all important decisions, but if there is one thing you should know, it is this: your heavenly Father is sovereign over all, and His plan, purpose, and calling concerning you is always good. No matter what happens, God has a plan for your life, so do not worry. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This is reassuring because not only does God have a good plan for your life, he in fact has a good plan that is unwavering and will be fulfilled regardless of your decisions, your bad grades, or your irresponsibility. Furthermore, his perfect plan and purpose are full of promises, and he has given followers of Christ the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing you will receive them (2 Corinthians 1:22). Even though God is sovereign, you, however, have a responsibility. Your responsibility is to submit to the leading of the Spirit. Where He leads, you must follow. Choosing to follow the Lord is not easy, and it doesn’t get easier with time. There is a battle that must be constantly fought, but God has equipped you with everything necessary to win the battle (Ephesians 6). God has also given you brothers and sisters in Christ who are eager to encourage you and lift you up when you stumble and fall. Just as a braided cord is stronger than a single strand, so are we stronger together than apart. “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5). I wanna leave you with one more thing: read your Bible every day. I made sure to do this at the start of the year, and it has made a huge difference in my walk with Christ. I know it will in yours as well. I am excited for you and your first semester at UA. Come by the BCM during welcome week and meet everyone, even if you decide to find a different ministry to be a part of. I will be praying for you this summer. God bless. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
Benjamin Koehn
Sophomore
Lilburn, GA