About that (advice on graduating bible college)

The message popped up on my screen last Friday, “Hey, friend, I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!” There was a link attached. A current senior from our bible college was reaching out on an alumni Facebook group. They were looking for advice as they prepare to graduate, and decided to ask those who have gone before. My heart leapt inside of me, and I knew immediately what I would say.

“Always listen for the still small voice.”

My fingers were itching to type it, and more, truth be told. But as much as I wanted to chime in, I couldn’t. You see, I had just started, that very morning, a week long break from Facebook. All because I had, well, listened to that still, small voice.

The irony was not lost on me.

See, I love good conversation and I love to discuss important issues, like faith, freedom, love, family, to name a few. I love discourse and discovery that happens in the conversation, of others and myself. But sometimes I love it too much. And it’s good to step away and listen a bit more to the people and the life that are all around you. And of course, that still small voice.

Now almost a week later, my fingers have been itching to type the answer ever since. I’m not itching to return to FB and am really enjoying the space. That thread is probably long buried, too. But I realize that the beating words in my heart aren’t going away, do this is as good a place as any. So here goes!

**Let me say first, though this applies directly to someone preparing to graduate bible college, it doesn’t just apply to them. I think it applies to almost anyone who a) is transitioning into a new phase of life, b) has a heart to love God and/or other people, or c)wants to walk in their best life, their fullest potential.
If that sounds like you at all, keep reading…

One: Always always listen for the still, small voice. God is always speaking, but His voice is most often quiet and gentle. Being a true gentleman, and not the controlling bully that too many picture Him to be, God doesn’t often shout. (Though He sometimes will if necessary!)

It starts most often in your heart, as a stirring or a feeling. Sometimes it even makes absolutely no sense to your mind. But you can’t deny how much it makes sense to your heart. If you’re wise you’ll listen. Even when it might not make sense on paper, there’s something in your spirit that agrees with it. It is also easy to connect with because it demonstrates His character. While his voice is not always big and bold in volume, it is always big and bold in love. Which is why you must keep your heart open to it.

When I was preparing to leave bible college, I had some really really good offers on the table. One was even the kind that got attention of the Dean of Students. Men actually. He was the sharp and serious kind. Though his words that I’d be “perfect for the job” meant so much, the job still just didn’t feel right. None of the options did. So I went home, worked in a coffee shop, and waited.

Two: About “ministry”: It’s all ministry.
Your life is the ministry.

This might sound wacky talking to a group of bible college students or graduates, but the truth is, you’re not really called to a church, or to any other particular mission field. You are called first, to the Lord .

You’re called to know Him. Out of knowing Him, you will go to any number of places- all over the world, or around the corner- and share that Love that you know first from Him. You won’t be able to not minister His love. It will flow out naturally.

Helping should always remain secondary. Religion led by a desire to help or bless others, instead of led by your desire for the Lord, can quickly go awry, and even end up doing more harm than good. If it’s not connected to your first Love, it will quickly be in danger of becoming people pleasing of the most egregious kind- in the name of the Lord, but not in His Spirit.

Yes, some of you will be then called to serve in churches. Or neighborhoods. Or any number of places, secular or sacred. Since the Lord lives in you, and is with you everywhere you go, there is no longer a sacred and a secular. It is, all of it, sacred. Whether you’re painting a wall or holding a little person’s hand or giving someone a ride or sharing a message of hope or laughter, all of it is sacred. More ministry happens in everyday life than we often realize. (Look for it.)

Those great opportunities that I turned down? Led me to become a nanny and assistant for some really wonderful kids and families. If you know anything in life, you know that helping to care for another persons basic needs and wellbeing is, in fact, ministry.

Three: You can’t mess it up merely as much as you think.

There is one thing I’ve seen over time, and it’s that there is not one single path that you have to figure out and choose. Sometimes there are definite junction points upon which bing changes can hinge. But it is not something you can get either completely wrong or right based on your feeble choices.

It’s not even a choose-your-own-adventure. While it does feel like it, and holds a similar web of possible pitfalls, roads and opportunities alike, there is one guiding truth that sets it apart, one thing that matters more than your feeble efforts: God is more willing than you are to see your calling fulfilled.

As you look ahead, as much as you don’t know, you can know this: There will be so much grace. We easily forget just how gracious and loving our God really is. He will find more opportunities for you to walk in your destiny or calling than any number of pitfalls that you might stumble upon. Even if you placed them there yourself.

If you make a mistake, on purpose or by accident, know that He sees and knows your heart more than anyone, and He is more gracious than we often understand. He is not controlling, and He allows you to choose your direction, but if you do happen get a little lost at any point, He’ll help set your feet on a good path whenever you ask.

There probably a hundred ways to get where you need to go. Take some pressure off of yourself. Trust Him.

One last note, an addendum: Expect to be surprised. It’s often how God works. Even when we know Him, there’s still so much that we don’t yet know. He’s bigger than we can fathom, more gracious than we give Him credit for.

When your surprised one way or another, refer back to number 1 (Listen).
And also, 2 (Love).
Keep in mind 3 (Trust.) It is often not as complicated as we make it, but there is plenty to learn. Enjoy the discovery, and surprises.

I’m right there with you. My own surprises are unfolding now too. Twenty years after leaving bible college, it’s just getting started in some ways. Dormant dreams, stirred callings, and greater Love. We’re all still on a journey if we’re still breathing. I think there’s something in the air.

It’s graduation time, for so many of us.

Listen, love, and trust.
You’re in Great Hands.~~