I’m not someone who likes running (or any kind of exercise really). Maybe if I could run on the beach like the guy above I wouldn’t mind it…but I probably still would. Even so, I’ve made a decision that I want to be someone who is healthy for the sake of my wife and kids. I want to be able to move and still function well long after I retire. But in order to do that I have to exercise regularly. Which is why I’ve begrudgingly subjected myself to be woken up by my wife to exercise with her before the sun comes up each morning.
Sometimes I exercise five times a week, others, not so much. It’s definitely something that takes conscious effort. I’ve realized that almost anything that’s a worthy goal in life will require perseverance. There may be times when I wake up excited to exercise (doubtful), but there will DEFINITELY be times where I have to push through my loatheful mindset towards exercising and just make it happen. These are the times when my wife says I’m not a happy person to be around.
While I’m sure you don’t loathe college ministry, we all have our moments where we need to dig deep and find a way to persevere. Here are 5 reasons to keep persevering in those times:
- Outside of the first few years of a child’s development, there is no time in life more pivotal than the young adult years. The majority of people will make decisions about religion, spouse, career, and their overall philosophy of life in these few years. Remember how important and challenging this time of life was for you and remember that you have the platform to encourage and guide others in this time.
- Being around college students isn’t just good for them, it’s good for you too. My faith is constantly challenged by the passion of students. I’ve also found that being more in touch with a younger generation keeps me aware of the direction the world is taking enabling me to prepare for what God is doing and to pray for the sake of our nation.
- You have the power to change the world – really. Charles Malik, former president of the UN General Assembly said,
The university is a clear-cut fulcrum with which to move the world. More potently than by any other means, change the university and you change the world.
- The theme of perseverance and its importance runs all throughout Scripture and God promises that we will be rewarded for persevering. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
I believe that as you persevere you will be rewarded not just with a crown of life, but in seeing students come to salvation, lifelong friendships forged, and communities changed. Hang in there; the work you’re doing is vital to so many lives and to the Kingdom!