Future Students Growth

Hand Over the Pen

As a history major, I enjoy learning by hearing stories.  The stories of the past teach us about incredible events.  What are some of the famous stories you recall from history?  Perhaps it is the tale of the Achilles and the Trojan War.  Perhaps it is the story of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.  Perhaps it is the story of your childhood and how you grew up.

Think about it:  your life is a story.  You write your story every day.  Everything you do is a page in the story—the story of you.

While it is not my goal to write an autobiography, I would like to share a few of my life stories throughout this semester.  I think it is fitting to begin with the story of how I came to Pensacola Christian College.

Growing up seems to be a process for some people.  For other people, it seems to happen overnight.  I remember sitting in one of my classes during my senior year of high school daydreaming about my future when the realization suddenly hit me: I’m a senior.  I thought to myself, “What am I going to do with my life?”

And I honestly didn’t know.  I had ideas and plans, but none of them really included God.  I began to apply to colleges—but I did not have a clear direction or goal in mind.  Fortunately, my senior English teacher assigned me a project that required me to list out my goals.  She also asked us to list which colleges we would wish to attend and why we would wish to do so.

The result? Although I had always wanted to attend a military academy, I felt a growing conviction to attend a Christian college.  My reasons were various, so I began applying.  I was shocked to learn that I had been accepted for candidacy at a U.S. military academy—including a full scholarship and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant post-graduation.

The same week, I also received a letter of acceptance from Pensacola Christian College.  As you can guess, I had some serious decisions to make.  I sought help from my parents, pastor, teachers, and friends, but ultimately the best advice came from above.

When I was nearing the deadline to decide where I was going to attend college, God used a powerful chapel message by Dr. Kenny Baldwin to break my heart.  God used a variety of convictions to stir me to a final conclusion: I decided to attend Pensacola Christian College.

At the time of the decision I was scared and uncertain.  After all, turning down an acceptance to a service academy was contrary to all of my life plans.  But notice that word: “my.”  They were my plans, not God’s.

To make a long story short, the decision was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  Uncertainty can be frightening, especially if you are forfeiting your own plans—but remember: God’s plans are always bigger than our own.  He wants to help you write your story . . . you just have to trust Him and hand over the pen.

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The thoughts and opinions expressed in Life in the Nest are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pensacola Christian College.

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Major History and English double major

From Washington, DC

View all posts by Justin

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