Pray For Strength | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Pray For Strength

The strength it takes to be a youth intern for a church when God calls you deeper.

20
Pray For Strength
Catelyn Peterson

"Pray for strength". Three words that carry a multitude of meaning, especially throughout this summer. A few people from my hometown started this "pray for strength" thing that was accompanied by a snapchat filter, and it has quickly transitioned from snapchat to actual conversations. This summer, I was the youth intern for a local Baptist church, and my students took it to the next level. No matter where we went or what happened, "pray for strength" was said all the time.

Although they knew that my time with them would be limited this summer, and that I would be returning to school at the end of the summer, they never imagined what would happen over the course of the summer. Mid-summer, a bomb was dropped on our youth group, and these three words went from a silly saying to an actual prayer of strength for all involved. Our youth pastor chose to finally answer God's call and move churches to do what was needed of him and his family during this season of life. At first we were all devastated, and sometimes we still are, but we are able to cling to Jeremiah 29:11 and find hope in the plans God has for each and every one of us. Yes, we still say "pray for strength" like we did before; however, I believe when we say it now, it is a reminder for the strength we all need to get through this transition.

Throughout everything this summer, I have learned that it takes a multitude of strength to lead a group of students, but it takes an even greater type of strength to answer a different calling in your life. There comes a time in our life, especially in our walks with Jesus, that we are called into deeper waters because we are needed to further the kingdom in a different way. Once we decide to dive deep and answer the call to go deeper, we have to make a couple changes to our lives, even though it may be some that we don't understand or that just simply breaks our heart. I am a firm believer that when we are called into this new season of our lives, it is the strength given to us through Jesus Christ that allows us to persevere and push forward into our calling. Because we know as Christians that what hurts worse than answering God's calling for our lives is ignoring it.

You never know how much someone means to you when they tell you that they're leaving, or even when your time is up and you have to leave the people you love. One of the hardest things I will have to do is to walk away from my students on the last day of my internship. Over the summer, they have grown into more than just my students, they have turned into my family. These students mean the absolute world to me and it breaks my heart that I have to leave them to go back to school and life as I knew it prior to this summer. But they know that this is definietely not a "goodbye", but rather a "see ya later".

So to my students, church family, and youth committee, if you're reading this, this is for you. And one last time just for ya'll... "Hey ya'll Catelyn here, signing off on a great summer as the intern here at FBC. Love ya'll, pray for strength"!!

In His Love,

Catelyn



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16196
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6935
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5118
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4491
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments