Testimonies

Knowing the Lord in College

Growing up I would attend various churches with good friends, since my parents were not believers (at that time). As I went through high school, however, I was dissatisfied with the churches I attended, feeling that, at times, the focus was away from God.

As I entered my first year at OU, I knew that it was a time to start new and fresh. I wanted to find a place to fulfill the desire within me to know God. My friend Sarah and I went to some churches but it seemed hopeless. Then she started meeting with Christians on Campus and would overflow to me all her enjoyment of the Bible. I wanted to know more. I had so many questions that were not answered so my sophomore year I went with Sarah to her small Bible appointment. So many things were revealed to me. One major revelation I had was that man was made with a spirit to contact and receive God. We read John 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truthfulness”. From then on, I loved getting to know my spirit and getting to know Christ in a real, subjective way.

Knowing that the Lord was with me and in my spirit was a great comfort throughout my college years. I soon took leave from anxiety and began to cling to the Lord during exams or difficult circumstances. Also, calling on the Lord (Rom. 8:10) while studying actually made learning enjoyable! I may not remember now what I studied then, but what I gained of Christ by spending that time with Him was invaluable.

In addition, I started making room for the Lord in my busy schedule. Sometimes I would give up precious study time during the day to go to the Bible study in the union and be with Someone even more precious, the Lord! It was such a release to stop what I was doing and touch the Lord. The Word of God really nourished me to get through the day.

I thank the Lord that He is sovereign over all our situations and that He will lead us to the right place if we just ask Him! The Lord is so faithful to a seeking heart.

Beata Sarjehpeyma