P.U.S.H.: Hitting rock bottoms in grad school

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 (The Message).

Recently, I ran into a colleague that I met in grad school and as we chit-chatted, she mentioned how sometimes research just gets to a point of standstill and you don’t know what to do. Then, she faced me to ask if she is correct. I frantically nodded in agreement and even shared my experience of how undesirable it was (I love telling tales of those situations which were not funny in the heat of them😓). No one anticipates that but it happens….a lot. As for science, that right there is one example of rock bottom.

Graduate school is not as picture perfect as it may be portrayed on some academic or social media platforms. It is a blessing which comes with its tests. It is mostly characterized by sweat, tears, failures and disappointments. Perhaps, more ‘nays’ than ‘yays’ but some days are pretty sunshine-y too!😎 Aside the fatigued, burnt out loop students find themselves in most times, you may ask what else could be worse—Rock bottom. 

There are times God allows you to hit that dreaded place. Arriving at such points is for His glory and then for our growth. In our Christian journey, one of our desires is to reach maturity in Christ. You can never become mature without growth; and to grow we must learn—sometimes through trials. Rock bottoms may not be completely academic as expected; it may be in relationships, decision making, family life, health, or even your spiritual journey. Each time you come out of one, be thankful and keep the lessons. Each time we find ourselves in another, these are nuggets on what we ought to do.

1. Trust Him more intentionally

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 3:5-6 (NIV).

2. Follow Him more closely

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 (NIV).

3. Listen to Him more attentively

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (KJV).

4. Obey Him more faithfully

If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; Isaiah 1:19 (NIV).

5. Wait more patiently

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 (NIV).

Pray. Until. Something. Happens.

Rock bottoms are not desirable places to be, but they are special anchor grounds to reach. They propel you to higher grounds you would never think of reaching. For the seed to germinate and bear fruits, it must die first. Next time you see a jolly post from a grad student, kindly lift them up in prayers. They may be giving themselves a break in the middle of a rock bottom.

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.