When I was in high school, I loved God and wanted everyone to know Him. Yet after a few weeks at a secular university, I became intimidated by the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). I still loved God, but how could I “make disciples of all nations” when I found it hard just to share my faith with my peers? Over the next few years, I prayed for coworkers and attempted to bring some spiritual depth to my conversations—when I felt like it—but ultimately, I graduated feeling like I hadn’t made the most of every opportunity. Fortunately, God is a God of second chances.
A few years later, I found myself back in the same college town, alongside a group of young adults who visited the campus and held fun events for the students. This group of young adults invited the students to dinners or coffees and listened to the students’ spiritual journeys, which were often nonexistent. Yet, much to my surprise, I learned that most students liked discussing their beliefs. From these chats, over ten chose to turn their lives over to Jesus. I was floored.
In retrospect, I wish I’d put more effort into sharing my faith when I was a student. I could’ve easily asked other students questions about their moral upbringings. And even if I’d been mocked for my beliefs, this life is short-term in the grand scheme of eternity. Being teased by someone is nothing compared to the real persecution that Christians suffer around the world.
Students across the country are surprisingly open-minded, ready to discover themselves and live their own lives. And frankly, a lot of students are severely lonely. Knowing Jesus is the absolute best antidote.
Perhaps you have any college kids in your life. Or you may live in a university town and are looking for ways to encourage students during this busy back-to-school season. You might be surprised to find that college ministries love older staff on the teams as well. And ultimately, no matter where you go or what you do, God goes before you and is with you always.
Never forget God is a God of second chances.
Father, thank you for giving me more than second chances.
Abigail Skelton is from beautiful Southern Oregon, where she grew up with an avid love for Jesus, chocolate, and writing. She has lived in three countries while involved in missionary work and frequently travels and studies foreign languages. You can connect with Abigail on her website: https://abigailskelton.com.
I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.
