Many years ago I was faced with a difficult but important life decision, to move away from home and move to the unfamiliar area of Birmingham for my course at University. I was about to embark on the challenges University had to offer and was forced to face the world on my own, away from the comforts and support system I had known…to describe emotions as ‘scared’ was an understatement!
This was the biggest step I was yet to take in life. I told my mum; her concerns were that of a caring and protective mother, but after some persuasion my mum came round to the idea of me flying the nest. I also sought the wisdom and guidance of my Pastor and Youth Leader before I left for University. The fear I felt soon turned to excitement as I began to think about all the new challenges that were awaiting me; however in the midst of the excitement a real thought began to emerge… ‘How do I survive University as a Christian?’ Not only was I leaving my biological family but I was moving away from the support system I had at church. One thought quickly developed into another ‘What Church would I go to?’ and ‘How do I even find a Church in Birmingham?’ I shared my concerns with my Youth Leader and I was supplied with the contact number of a Pastor in Birmingham.
The conversations I had with Pastor and my Youth Leader drew out some real questions like ‘Why should someone neglect their spiritual life for three to four or more years simply because they're going to uni?’ I soon realised that a good church isn’t so much the numbers of the congregation nor the venue, but a place where the scripture comes to life and forms the very basis of what is preached and that the congregation are being transformed by the Word. We learn what it is to be part of something greater than ourselves through membership and where Pastors seriously and responsibly oversee the development and advancement of souls in their care.
Looking back I realised that the preparation for University started long before I had packed up and headed to Birmingham. I would pray with my mother and sow into my future that I would be blessed with great friend. I relied on Scripture to assist me in selecting potential friends, in particular Proverbs 31 and 1 Timothy 3.
One valuable lesson I learnt in order to have a healthy University experience, a healthy set of friends is essential. Christian fellowships on campus are a good place to start. Keep an eye out for Christian graduate students. They'll offer both friendship and mentorship, having already successfully passed through undergraduate education.
I remember looking into my mother’s big brown eyes and in the way that a mother does, she opened her heart to me and told me to stay pure and that even though she would not be there God was watching my every move. Enough was said…I already felt convicted. I remember my prayer was "God, I pray you would keep me out of sexual sin." I always prayed and when temptation presented itself I would flee from the situation. I never placed myself in an intimate setting (dorm room or apartment) with a person of the opposite sex. My advice would be seeking transparent accountability with those trusted friends you've made at church and any campus fellowship you may have joined. Surround yourself with mature Christians and adopt surrogate parents and invest time in them and be accountable to
someone.
The fleeting, momentary "pleasure" of sexual sin is never worth the potential lifetime of scars and difficulties that follow. Many dreams of University education, career ambition, and family aspiration have been
broken by sexual sin. A good book I would recommend is ‘When God writes your love story.’ (If you get a chance, purchase one from the book shop).
University is where you receive an education — that in itself is a great privilege not everyone experiences. However sometimes we overlook the spiritual benefits of studying; whatever it is you've decided to study may be used for the purposes of God. Don't underestimate the importance of your study in the economy of God. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Tim 2:15).
Finally "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." ( Prov 3: 5-6). Simply put, just depend on God. He loves to be consulted and involved in every little aspect of your life. There will be every worldly temptation and seduction, every fleshly deception appearing to be an advantage and ‘wordly wisdom’ that will attempt to undermine your continual trust in the Lord. Resist them! Oppose them! Go to the Father in the Word, in complete reliance on Him and His promise.
The transition from School to University is a big one and at times even daunting and many parents will worry but hold fast in the knowledge that God’s word never fails if you learn to trust him. University can be one of the most challenging but also most wonderful experiences if you trust and rely on God and looking back on my journey, I can only thank God for His grace and love. For those of you starting university and moving away from home trust in God with absolutely everything.
Happy studying!