Starting Out.

So when I came to University, I had a few expectations. Some of them were bad, some of them were good. But overall, to be perfectly honest I don't even know what those expectations really were.

You see, everyone always talks about how much they love University. And, because of this I suppose I assumed that I would buck the trend. Why would I, no why should I have a great time at Uni?

It is safe to say by now, over half a year after starting the biggest adventure of my life (cue cliché puking noises) that I am not one of those people. I absolutely love being at University. It's hard work, but I have never felt so fulfilled and content. 
Now don't go thinking that I have the perfect life. By far, things are not the way I want them to be. My closest friends are going through the toughest times of their lives, and the problems that I had before coming to uni haven't simply disappeared. Each day has it's own struggles and I haven't been happy-go-larry everyday. 
If anything, being away from some of the issues my own family have is probably like sticking my fingers in my ears. I don't like running away from my problems. That isn't how I deal with them. So why exactly am I singing and dancing in the streets if I still have all these problems?

Well, I suppose this is the point where Jesus comes in. 

Answered prayer is what has made my life so amazing. It has all been down to God.
I prayed and prayed before I moved into halls to be put with the people God wanted me near. That they might not be hostile to Christianity, that they would want to know more about God. I have that. I couldn't believe how open my flatmates were to faith. I have been able to get stuck in with Christian Union activities and spread the gospel. But most importantly, my faith has been built tremendously by the fantastic church that I have become part of, and the friendships I have made.
But that wasn't down to me. It was all down to God.
He provided me with exactly what He knew I needed, even if I don't know that right now.

How do you know that Rebecca? Aren't you just not giving yourself credit?

I'm not a popular person. I never have been. I have been the type of girl with a few close friends, not many. I am not very good at social situations and I prefer talking in groups so that the pressure to come up with good conversation is diluted somewhat. I would happily spend the day cooped up in my room on a laptop. But there's a flip side to me as well. I love to do things. I love to join as many clubs as I can and try everything. I love making new friends and spending time with the one's I already have, but I was never the best at doing it.
But here, I've found my place. God's fitted me into my niche. I meet new people all the time, and I take pleasure in making new friends. I no longer fret that I'm not good enough or the right kind of person to be accepted. I have a large group of wonderful friends who build me up every day. I have flatmates who want to know about almighty God. I have been provided with opportunities to serve, in ways that even I don't think I'll be any good in. But God wants me to do them. I couldn't have the confidence to be myself without the confidence that God has accepted me for who I am and better yet - adores me for it.

University is not like school. In my experience, from the people I have met I can say that everyone has the same goal - to belong. University has taught me not just about my degree, but about belonging to God. I can be confident in my beliefs and not be apologetic about them. I am living for God, and unlike what I thought before, there are so many people who want to live for God too! 

I am not saying that just by believing and trusting in God that everyone will have what they call a 'good time' in whatever they do. But following whatever God's will for us is, will lead us on the best possible path for our lives. Admittedly, it might not seem that way right now. But like the Bible character Jonah, he thought he was going to die when he was thrown into the water. Yet when he cried out to God, he was saved - by none other than a fish. So maybe God will save you in a weird way. 
Anyway, tangent over.

A few weeks ago, I had a moment of recollection. 
A Life with God as my guidance counsellor, freedom and solace has really challenged me to make the personal God I call father personal to me. I want to call our father, my Dad.

If you want to thank God for what he has provided for you, then maybe you want to say my prayer with me. Or maybe you have no idea what I'm on about at all. Either way, let me end with this:

Thanks Dad. I'm sorry if I forget how awesome you are sometimes. But hey, let me tell you this now. I trust you.

Love Rebecca xxx