Dear Bible School Graduate

It’s almost been nine years since my first day at Bible college. Nine years later, I can say that the road has had its highs and lows. If I could tell my bright-eyed 20-year-old self some words of encouragement, this is what I would say.

Dear 20-year-old Bible school graduate,

Can you believe it? Three years? Over? I know you are filled with so much hope and promise about what God is going to do through your life. Going to Bible school was the biggest leap of faith that you have ever taken.

Remember, when you didn’t know how you were going get to school or pay for classes, dorm gear, and basic necessities? All you had were your two suitcases, but God provided.

Remember, when you didn’t know how you would make tuition, or get that ticket to go home?

Remember, that time in chapel, when for the first time it clicked that God loved you and that his love was something you didn’t have to work for?

Remember, at the altar, when you said that you would follow Christ no matter the cost. You would travel the road less popular?

You did…for a little bit, but then life got real after bible school.

You will never get this letter because hindsight is 20/20. I’m the wiser and more mature version of you. So, I thought it would be fair to share the broken road, the journey and how God was with you then and how He is with you now.

To Ireland you’ll go. Then to Florida. You will serve with some amazing people in full-time ministry. The guitar will become your best friend and you’ll grow as a worship leader. There will be mountain top experiences and euphoric highs, but you will also have lows.

Then you’ll choose to go back home, go to “real” college and try to get your life together. All for God of course. Passionate, hungry and ready to serve the Lord.

What you don’t know are the tears you will cry, the loneliness you’ll feel, the rejection you will encounter. It will be one of the darkest times of your life.

Your depression will be back. You will see a therapist. You will chase after many lovers. You will be on the brink of losing your faith.

Yes you, bible school graduate.

You’ll find yourself struggling with bitterness and frustration that your life isn’t how you want it to be.

Yes, you will somehow find yourself on the wrong side of the tracks.

You will cling so tightly to the life you think should have and miss God…(Or so you may think because God is always in control)

But know that your failures and shortcomings are not where your story will end. Although you took the pen into your hands, the life story that you could write will always pale in comparison to the one heaven has already written for you.

The same God who called nine years ago, still calls you today. That love you experienced in his presence will draw you back.

I wish I could tell you that you were strong, joyful and peaceful throughout the journey–that your faith never wavered. I cannot. I can say, however, that God will never let you go. He will pursue you and pursue you until you are back home in his presence, loving him again.

Stop trying to fix yourself.

Stop living with regrets.

Stop trying to get yourself back on fire for God.

Let his love bring you back.

Commit your brokenness, indifference, and shame to him and watch him work in your life.

To you, bible school graduate– life will happen. You will make mistakes. You will have your faith rocked, but on the other side of the storm, and at the end of the wilderness, if you will keep the faith there is new life for you. Your faith in God will grow deeper, steadfast, honest and vulnerable. You will realize that God was with you and working in you all along.

xoxo,

The Older & Wiser You