Change Can Be an Answered Prayer
A couple years ago, I was a senior in high school and my days consisted of going to school with friends I made in 5th grade, volleyball practice, and eating homemade meals. Now my days consist of college classes that change every semester, meeting new people, workout classes, and trying to find something I like to eat in the dining hall. Graduating high school was the biggest change I’ve faced in my life, and it wasn’t always an easy transition. Even before graduating I had never been one who got super excited about change. I got nervous about changing volleyball clubs, getting a new job, or even walking into a new class once a new school year rolled around. Change is hard and can be big or small. It might hit you suddenly or be long awaited.
The summer after my senior year, after both unexpected change and some long awaited change, I experienced anxiety like I had never felt before. I didn’t know what was making me feel so bad and really struggled to get my anxiety under control. I came home one night the week I had to move into my freshman dorm and realized that anxiety was what was eating away at me. I texted Amy Byrd and asked her if I could talk to her because I didn’t know what to do. She sent me back Isaiah 26:3. “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace.” I had to redirect my brain to the Lord and the fact that He is with me and will provide me peace. This verse has been such a blessing to my college years, but it still took me a while to get to that place of peace. I moved into my freshman dorm and felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders and I didn’t know how to handle it. I felt like all of my normal was gone and my life was completely changed. No more volleyball, a new home, new classmates, and a new schedule.
Anxiety and fear of the future felt like a theme of my freshman year, and it caused me to stray from the Lord at times. However, I began to look to my freshman year and my transition to college as an answered prayer. No matter what change I would go through, Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” My savior never changed even when my life did. Jesus will never leave your side. He carries us through the darkness and is always reaching out his hand to help us up. Sometimes your struggle with the Lord will bring you closer to Him in the end. Just like the prodigal son in Luke 15, the Lord is always waiting for us to return to Him with open arms. His grace knows no bounds. His love is so vast and so great that we can’t even fathom it with our human minds. What a blessing it is to have a Father like that. Our trials and tribulation will turn into a testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness in our lives. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
I prayed to the Lord my senior year of high school that He would lead me to the college that would be best for me. Quitting volleyball led me to Samford, and Samford led me to a major in Christian Ministry where I am pursuing my calling to ministry. Samford also led me to friends and community that I have consistently prayed for over the years. I am learning to trust God through change, because I know that His plan is far greater than mine and nothing I do can mess that up. When I take the time to sit and reflect on what the Lord is doing in my life, I see where He has used change to answer my prayers in ways I could never have imagined.
My journey with anxiety and fear is not over, but I know I am not alone, the Lord provides me peace, and His Word is truth. Right before I go to bed every night, I like to read Psalm 23 and I encourage you to do the same. This passage reminds me that the Lord is my shepherd and my protector. He is peace and love and He lives within me. I also encourage you to keep praying. The Lord hears you. Surrender your fear and anxiety to Him. We were never meant to carry it all alone. So, whether you are getting ready to enter a new grade at school, joining a new club or sports team, moving states, or preparing to go off to college, I pray that you will remember the Lord’s faithfulness and His ability to turn anything into a blessing and an answered prayer.
You are not alone.
Love,
Maggie Harris