Although as Christians we may all hold onto the same, basic truths presented to us in God’s Word, I believe it is important to make your faith your own and personal. Faith is meant to be formed over time, molded by experiences and reinforced with knowledge. My faith has been shaped and stretched during my college years, but it is these three mindsets that have stuck with me and will continue to be a part of my faith in the future.

1. Strengthen me, I can do it.

I have encountered many “giants” throughout my college years, whether it was facing a daunting semester of classes or hurdling over broken relationships. Even as I transitioned from one semester, one year to the next, I had to rely on His strength and remember my favorite verse from Philippians 4:13. This mindset of strength coming from Him and Him alone also pushed me to do things that challenged me like never before, like running my first marathon. But just like a marathon, the things most worth it in life take hard training and commitment. For me, this means finding the strength from my God that is already inside of me to accomplish all that He has set out for me to do.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

2. Lead me, I will follow.

College is full of making decisions, decisions that will impact your life and future career. Deciding on a major, accepting an internship position, and choosing to move far from home are just a few of the hard decisions I had to make during my college years. During these times of transitions and decisions, I would pray for patience, peace, trust and guidance. I always followed me heart, even if I didn’t know where it would lead me in the end. Faith is fully trusting in God, even when you don’t know or can’t understand His plans, and it is this aspect of my faith that strongly shaped my college experience.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. - Psalm 32:8

3. Send me, here I go.

I have learned that in life there will be many opportunities to go places and do things you never thought you could. I never thought going into college that I would be able to study abroad for two out of my eight semesters, to form relationships with people across the world, but this just shows the power of being open to His plan and having a “send me” attitude. When I stumble upon an opportunity and know in my heart that I want it, I take it, unafraid. Going forward, I want to get better at being committed in prayer and hearing His voice before the opportunity even comes my way, but I know that if I continue to be open to opportunity, He will open doors.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

My faith in Christ has taken me places I could have never planned for myself, and I know that if I maintain these three mindsets, I can continue to live life for Him and that His plan for me will be revealed.