You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16 (NIV).
Fall semester is here! This season is usually the time new students and returning students flock into their respective schools. Orientation, settling-in arrangements, registration of classes, completing loads of paperwork seem to be the program of the day in most schools. Don’t ask a returning studentđ, the reluctance of leaving the fun and sunny summer is obvious….it is quite different for the new guys. The atmosphere is filled with excitement, students are all set for a new experience. For an incoming international student, itâs a bit layered. A mixed feeling of being and what could be engulfs their thoughts. It is a whole new world, a new chance at life, an opportunity to do something. This is it! Life presents itself as a new canvas you can draw anything on. The homesick feelings may probably underlie all your excitement but, you are ready for the new phase. One of the motivations to start graduate school is an interest to have an in-depth knowledge in a particular field. For many, they look forward to starting research and their thesis. Amidst all these, today, how about we ponder on something else.
Could this be a calling from God? Is this (Grad) school a ministry ground?
On my way to start grad school, a conversation with a woman I met got me thinking…”What am I here for?”. She said something out of admiration to me and as an encouragement but that came as a pondering piece to me. Perhaps, there is a new student with such riveting thoughts. Prince Moses had lofty ambitions, he thought too soon he could save his people from the palace until God gave him a time out away from his comfort zone to prepare him for the assignment. Brilliant Daniel made a difference in a foreign country after he purposed in his heart to do the Lordâs will. Beautiful Esther was given an assignment to save her people after she passed a series of test that put her faith and convictions on trial. Little David had no idea of how the training he got as a shepherd boy would come in handy in a battle ground. Patriotic Nehemiah became a top official as a foreigner and still went back to his home county to rebuild the walls. Could there be more to what you are about to start? Listen to what your heart is saying–better still, be obedient to what the holy spirit is saying to you. The academic demands could be overwhelming but letâs pray for grace that they donât drown the personal convictions that were already planted from our home countries. Answered prayers and open doors could be a way of God calling your attention to how He would like to use you differently. Ministry is not a stereotyped way of life. You do not need to preach on the pulpit, start a fellowship or lead bible study. It may be those little or big ways the Lord is leading you in your niche to another person(s). Bearing fruits that glorify God is a ministry. Whether most of your days are spent mixing stuff in the lab, or out in the field taking samples or data, as long as you are a profitable child of God. See, ambitions are good, and dreams come true but doing Godâs will lasts forever.
A productive semester to everyone!!
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
