5 Ways To Keep the Faith During the School Year

For many college students, the next semester is just around the corner. As students diligently study and prepare for there desired career paths, there are many challenges and temptations awaiting them that could cause their relationship with God to be shaken.

Here are five tips to help college students of all ages keep their faith throughout the school year.

1. Set Up a Consistent Time for Prayer

Philippians 4:6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer is an essential practice of the Christian life we cannot go without. Whenever there is a lack of prayer in one’s life, it could be an indication of a lack of faith. Whether it's your first year in college or you are a returning student, it’s important to pray consistently to God for guidance and reassurance. The college experience can be exciting, but along the path, students can develop anxiety and fear because of doubt, insecurity, and negative influences. Not everyone is decided on a career path as soon as they begin college. God wants to be included in every part of our lives, especially our life decisions. We don’t have to worry if we don’t know what we want to do with our lives, or even if we are having difficulty with a particular course we are taking. It is always best to go before the Lord in prayer no matter what we are dealing with.

Proverbs 3: 5-6 ,Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

2. Set Up a Consistent Time for Bible Study

Joshua 1:8 - 8, Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

In College, it can become easy to become so engrossed in schoolwork and social events that we may forget about God’s word. Man was never made to direct his own ways. We should always live our lives according to God’s word. God’s word gives us counsel, rebuke, encouragement, understanding, courage, and so much more to help us navigate through young adulthood. During the school year, you are bound to encounter situations where scripture will be the remedy and guidance. Often, we struggle with what we should do, but God’s word always provides us with answers.

Sign-up for weekly Bible studies with an AM Bible Teacher to keep God's word active in your life.

3. Volunteer and Do God's Work

1 John 3:18, Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

James 2: 14-17

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Volunteering is an activity that helps us practice love. It helps us learn how to give more of our time and resources to those in need. It helps us develop an attitude of servitude as opposed to being served. In college, it is easy to be laser focused on your own life and aspirations, but it is important to take some time to invest in others.

If you would like to help improve the physical livelihood of others, try to get involved in community or campus volunteer activities and events. If you would like to help improve the spiritual livelihood of others, try volunteering with AM international and learn to evangelize, teach bible studies, lead a chapter, or contribute other skills like technology, music, design, and more!

Romans 6: 13

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

4. Connect with Other Believers on Campus

Acts 2:42,They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

It can be intimidating to find friends while in college, especially if it's your first year. You may worry if people will judge you or if there are people that can resonate with your faith. Connecting with people on campus who share your faith and values will keep you encouraged, unashamed, strengthened, and reminded you are not alone on the good fight.

Uniting with other believers will also allow the power of the Holy spirit ignite a revival on your campus. Join together in prayer and studying God's word and watch lives transform!

Find out about joining a local AM Chapter or help create one yourself.

5. Go to Church

Hebrews 10: 24-25, And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

We can face many challenges while in college, and one of those challenges is overcoming the temptation to be like the world. We are often tempted to worry, engage in unwholesome conversation, commit sexual immorality, etc. It is important to find a local bible-based church that can act as our spiritual home away from home. Just as we unite with our fellow believers on campus, it is important to unite with our elders as well.

Church gives us a community where we can build deeper faith by hearing the message of the Gospel, praying together, and worshipping God with gratitude. Thanksgiving, especially with other believers, is a powerful way to find joy through life's trials. At church, we also have access to spiritual leaders that can help guide us deepen our relationship with Christ.

Email alma@amintl.org to connect with an AM-affiliated church today.

Romans 10: 17, Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

College is difficult, and you may experience situations that may cause you to doubt or fear. It is okay to not know all the answers at this time. God is always there waiting for you to seek him for strength and understanding. We must remember that God is our ultimate provider, and that he is able to supply us with all our needs. Satan desires to entice us with the pleasures of the world, so remember to cherish God's word within your heart, that you will not partake in activities causing you to lose God's blessing. As long as we acknowledge God in our daily decisions and seek His counsel regarding our future, we will never have to worry. God is always watching over you and He is able.

Matthew 6: 33, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Author: Derrick Watson Proofread: Vanessa Eusebio