Faith in the Frenzy
Leading up to move-in day at Mississippi State, one of my biggest worries was that I would have trouble finding a community of girls who were as committed as I was to living a Christ-centered life in college. I found myself praying about it a lot. Luckily for me, I had a lot of older friends, most of whom I had watched continue to honor the Lord through the challenges and distractions of college. Their influence showed me it was possible to stay rooted in faith, so I knew I could do it too!
When I got here and went through recruitment, I saw something different at Chi O. Every party I had, from Go Greek to Pref, included authentic and encouraging conversations about how important supportive, Christian sisterhood was to me. As I stood in line at Pref, looking around me at the incredible girls my age in line, I knew Chi O was the place I would not only grow every day spiritually, but also have the ability to make an impact on those around me.
When I felt the call to make an impact on people around me, I thought it’d be so easy to see the fruit of the Lord’s work in my new environment. After my fair share of trying to get involved on campus, I remember getting frustrated when my purpose was not immediately revealed the first few months of being in Starkville. Again, luckily for me, I found Psalm 138:8 early on and chose it as my freshman year verse! It says “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.”
I prayed this verse over myself, my friends, and my encounters for a long time! I then got involved at Pinelake Church, where I attend every Sunday morning and Wednesday night. I also led an incredible freshman small group this past year, which was without a doubt one of the highlights of my sophomore year! The Lord revealed to me at some point along the way that the mundane was my biggest place of ministry. It wasn’t in the big, flashy titles or strenuous acts of service; it was going to be in simple things, such as giving that girl an extra hug in the dining room at dinner, offering to drive a friend to church, or being super intentional in quality time.
As I continued to trust that the Lord was using me in ways I might not be able to see, He continued to place the most special and influential people in my life- girls from places I’d never heard of, people I never knew I needed. I distinctly remember looking around my full dorm room one night, wondering how crazy it was that my village had grown so much in such a short time. I could not have made it through the past two years without every single older girl who loved me far beyond her obligation or every friend my age who stuck by my side through the vulnerability and change of college. This was without a doubt God answering my senior year prayer to find a Christ-centered community!
Not every day of college is as good as the highlight reel looks. We all wake up some days missing home and wishing for things to change. But it ultimately all comes down to faith- a trust that He’s working it ALL out for your good, especially in the chaos! It took me realizing that it is the Lord’s love through me in simple actions that made everything in college worthwhile. If the journey of living out my faith at MSU has taught me anything, it’s that Jesus wants what’s best for me, and He promised to never let me down. Through everything- the late Hathorn nights, Insomnia runs, Pinelake Wednesdays, sunset drives, study sessions, chapter meetings, and Chi O lunches- He has kept that promise. And I know He’ll keep it for you, too!
I’m praying for each of you and know that your purpose will be fulfilled here at MSU! Jesus wants what’s best for you, and He’ll never let you down!
