Could use help staying encouraged.

I just noticed this new area of the forums, and I have definitely missed this place. I apologize for my absence. I have come back, because I feel like I have new strength in God once again. I have a confession though, I struggle with my faith from time to time. I find it easier to complain about my life then to just trust in God sometimes. I notice a change in my behavior and I still pray but my heart is not as in it. I am a college student, and I feel like college is a very trying time to remain a Christian. You are in a wicked environment full of bad influences, you are strapped for cash, stressed, and tend to put things above your relationship with God. I did join a youth group at my school which helped me stay in a better environment, but what sort of things should I do to stay encouraged like I am now? As a new semester of school is about to start, I want to stay on top of it and motivated. Any advice is appreciated.
 
If we hang around dogs we pick up flees. The word says it is very imprtant in these days to not neglect fellowship with the saints. We need to be washed, so that we can be Christ in our environment. I would go to parties but make limits. No getting smashed. No drugs. No sex. Socialise and have a drink or two. Then leave before you need to be smashed to enjoy the party further. God wants you in that situation becuase you are the person He has chosen to reveal Him to those around you.

Be encouraged by knowing that God has pre-planned your steps. You are where He wants you. You are not drifiting with the world or in control of your own life as we tend to assume.

Good luck! Praying for you! :).
 
I just noticed this new area of the forums, and I have definitely missed this place. I apologize for my absence. I have come back, because I feel like I have new strength in God once again. I have a confession though, I struggle with my faith from time to time. I find it easier to complain about my life then to just trust in God sometimes. I notice a change in my behavior and I still pray but my heart is not as in it. I am a college student, and I feel like college is a very trying time to remain a Christian. You are in a wicked environment full of bad influences, you are strapped for cash, stressed, and tend to put things above your relationship with God. I did join a youth group at my school which helped me stay in a better environment, but what sort of things should I do to stay encouraged like I am now? As a new semester of school is about to start, I want to stay on top of it and motivated. Any advice is appreciated.

Hi Ryan,

All of my family, my wife and I And our two children have all been through the College/Uni scene .... And survived with faith intact. So rest assured with the help and Grace of the Lord it IS survivable. :) Not sure where you are but here in Australia nearly all colleges and universities have one or more Christian Student groups that is there to support and encourage Students wishing to maintain a Christian lifestyle and fellowship. Over here two of them are "Student Life" and "Campus Crusade For Christ" for who I am an on-line volunteer mentor. In America CCC goes by another name but it is still the same group providing day to day support and encouragement and Christian fellowship and social alternatives for students such as yourself.

Might I suggest you enquire if such a group or organisation exists on you campus, or even just an informal group of Christian students that are helping each other survive the College years.

May the Lord embrace you and encourage and protect you as is His desire to do with all of us.

Regards Misty
 
Is Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship still around? I got in with that group right away and met a lot of Christian brothers and sisters. As Misty mentioned, there are other groups as well on most campuses of any size. Also, it's good to get plugged into a local church. You're already surrounded by negative influences, it's good to surround yourself with Christian influences.
 
I got involved with a youth group every week for most of last semester. We did bible study and some worship there once a week. I do need to get plugged into a church community though. I admittedly hardly ever go to church anymore. I also thought, well church is the body of believers. But it is important to be within that community, that's one major step I should take for sure. I've been to a pretty good church up here and was recommended another by a friend from bible study. I need to make the effort.
 
I got involved with a youth group every week for most of last semester. We did bible study and some worship there once a week. I do need to get plugged into a church community though. I admittedly hardly ever go to church anymore. I also thought, well church is the body of believers. But it is important to be within that community, that's one major step I should take for sure. I've been to a pretty good church up here and was recommended another by a friend from bible study. I need to make the effort.

Sounds like a good plan. The Lord just gave me a bit of a humorous enlightenment I should keep in mind for myself also.

How often is it that we ask the Lord for His help - but avoid the fellowship of His servants who are there for that very purpose?? :confused:
 
I got involved with a youth group every week for most of last semester. We did bible study and some worship there once a week. I do need to get plugged into a church community though. I admittedly hardly ever go to church anymore. I also thought, well church is the body of believers. But it is important to be within that community, that's one major step I should take for sure. I've been to a pretty good church up here and was recommended another by a friend from bible study. I need to make the effort.

I pray that you have taken that major step now and that you have a buddy to support you along the way. Be encouraged also by knowing that Jesus loves you and that abiding in Him, you never walk alone.
 
Hi Ryan,

It sounds like people here have given you a lot of sound advice. I hope you are able to complete your studies to the glory of God, at the same time that you stay aware ("wise as a serpent") of the snares and temptations which come through so much close interaction with the unbelieving world. It can be hard when in the midst of such a social environment, but taking time out every now and then to pray, fast, and meditate on God's Word can be helpful as well, in terms of staying on the straight and narrow.

BTW, a lot of college/university students find renewed strength through organizing missions trips (particularly in developing world countries) over their spring/summer breaks. This may be something you want to look into yourself; it can even be a fun social/spiritual thing if you can gather some of your friends up to come along with you. At least something to consider. :)
 
Hi everyone, just wanted to give an update! I went to church tonight finally, and it was good! (They even gave me a nice hardback bible). I also went back to that youth group thing Thursday. I have to really agree with choosing your friends wisely! I am making it a goal to be more involved on my campus and meet as many new people as I can.
 
God wants you in that situation becuase you are the person He has chosen to reveal Him to those around you.

Wonderful statement!!! That really encouraged me a lot, i find myself in a lot of situations exactly like that!!! It is hard and challenging, but that's the statement that i need to hold close to me :)
 
Hi everyone, just wanted to give an update! I went to church tonight finally, and it was good! (They even gave me a nice hardback bible). I also went back to that youth group thing Thursday. I have to really agree with choosing your friends wisely! I am making it a goal to be more involved on my campus and meet as many new people as I can.
Keep your nose indulged in that book you recently recieved. God will teach you everything he wants you to learn if you seek the wisdom. He loves you so much. I'm glad things are getting better. Keep choosing wisely who you're around, and remember that even when you're alone, you're never alone. God is with you, so just keep your eye on the prize he set before you. God Bless.
 
Yup I struggle too, not sure why I thought faith was instant but its not it takes time to develop. The Lord told me that through my brothers when I was about to give him up. My aunt told me, you'll give up before the HolySpirit does, he sees our potential and worth when we don't. Just keep reading and praying, I just learned that you can't.go off feelings, there will be times you don't want to pray and read but you do it anyway because your supposed to. I learned that from Joyce Meyers, I love that girl
 
Yup I struggle too, not sure why I thought faith was instant but its not it takes time to develop. The Lord told me that through my brothers when I was about to give him up. My aunt told me, you'll give up before the HolySpirit does, he sees our potential and worth when we don't. Just keep reading and praying, I just learned that you can't.go off feelings, there will be times you don't want to pray and read but you do it anyway because your supposed to. I learned that from Joyce Meyers, I love that girl
 
I like what KingJ first said in reply to this thread. "If we hang around dogs, we pick up flees." Very true. The devil works through people the same way Christ works through people (well, not the same way...), and there are plenty of people thrown our way throughout our lives that we have got to be careful around. Even nice, good people...if they aren't on the same path as we are, we've got to recognize that and determine wether or not we are still capable of being around them. God will let you know who needs to be in your life and who doesn't.
 
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