By: Alee Winkler
THE STRUGGLE:
Being a student is a full time job. Many of us go to school all day, followed by sports, work, and to top it all off–even more homework. It can be easy to let the seemingly endless list of assignments consume our every waking moment. Sometimes, it can feel like a lot of pressure to balance an incredible amount of work while living up to the expectations we have set for ourselves.
I spent most of high school worrying about college. Ironic, right? I was so consumed with planning out my future that I didn’t have enough time to enjoy what was right in front of me. I added so much to my plate in pursuit of a “good enough” college and a solid plan for the rest of my life. Most importantly, I filled my schedule so much that I didn’t make time for what was actually most important in my life–my relationship with God.
It wasn’t long before I was skipping out on midweeks to study and attending Friday night devos half-heartedly. I remember myself sitting at lessons, watching what was happening, but really, all I could do was think about the time I could be spending completing my work. I began to prioritize my reputation and the worldly prize of success over any relationship in my life—with God AND with my family and friends.
I began to blur the lines between being a responsible student and neglecting my other commitments all in pursuit of worldly achievements and praise. Instead of relying on God and the Word for my security, I was trying to rely on my own work and achievements to get satisfaction. I was pushing aside God’s plan for me and I was trying to control everything myself. If you are a perfectionist like me, this may start to sound familiar.
But how do we find the right priorities when school seems like the most important thing in our lives?
THE SOLUTION:
School is a full time job for us as teens. It is important that we glorify God (!!) by utilizing our talents and the smarts that he has given us in school, but we have to make sure that we are doing it for the right reasons.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Let me be abundantly clear—we should still strive to do well in school, as that is what God has given us! We just have to use the correct mindset while doing so. Becoming valedictorian or getting a full scholarship means a lot less if you lose your godly relationships in the process. Let’s use the opportunities He’s given us to glorify Him!
The greatest thing about our relationship with God is that he knows us fully.
Psalm 139 talks about this when it says, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Fortunately, He knows us inside and out. He knows our worries as well as our goals, and He has a plan set out for us! While we work towards our academic achievements, let’s remember that He already knows what our intentions are. He is working with us and He has our backs! We do not need to overwork ourselves in order to achieve, especially when it gets in the way of our relationship with Him. If it’s His will, our goals will be reached!
And finally: Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Isn’t it encouraging to know that the Lord has our best interest in mind? Read that scripture again. We do not have to control every aspect of our lives. He has a plan for us that was written before we were even born (see Psalm 139!) that he intends to fulfill. Even if His plan for us isn’t the college we envisioned, or an opportunity we are seeking, He has something waiting that is greater than we could ever find ourselves.
THE CHALLENGE:
Practicals for every student seeking God:
- Prioritize your time with God. Start off your day by praying about the academic things you might be dealing with. Remember that he has your back in all of it!
- Find an accountability partner. Find someone who will remind you about upcoming devotionals, midweeks, and services. This can help you when you are tempted to skip out for school, an activity, or anything else!
- Get organized! Have an agenda to plan out your time, and make sure to fit in prayer, Bible study, and devotionals! All of these things can help you to rely on him when you are in school.
PRAYER:
Dear God,
Help me surrender to your plan today. Help me be confident in what you have in store for me and give me an opportunity to put You first today. Amen
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