Finding time is one of the most difficult and frustrating things I have experienced. How many moments have you found yourself saying, “There just isn’t enough time”? I know I am more than guilty of overusing this phrase, especially when it comes to school. Balancing time can be just as challenging as finding it!
For the past two years, I have attended and lived at my university. There was one morning my freshman year I woke up and found myself staring in the mirror at a stranger. I knew I was there for a reason, I just felt as if I’d lost my purpose. It had become challenging trying to keep up with passing my classes while being a light in the midst of a dark world. I’d become frustrated in my pursuit to juggle heavy weights I could not carry, let alone catch.
However, Jesus took me along a path of learning to balance my time and boy, did I learn a lot! There were three things He impressed on me as being instrumental to balancing education and ministry: 1) early morning prayer, 2) involvement, and 3) marriage. These may sound confusing, but let me shed some light on these amazing revelations.
Early Morning Prayer
A relationship cannot be successful without constant communication. The same goes for our relationship with God!
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Seeking Him first not only relieves us from the weight of life, but it rejuvenates us for the day ahead. We take off the garments of weight and gain a mantle of wisdom. Does that mean that we won’t have bad days? Of course not; we’re human! However, it does empower us with wisdom so when we do have a bad day, we know that God has ordered our steps and all things will work out for our good!
Involvement
Even though I was heavily involved in my local church, I also attended Bible studies on campus my freshman year, but I never really engaged myself. I thought that by living on campus and living a holy lifestyle, I was being enough of a witness. When living in an “Egypt,” your faith can become shaky. Constant involvement in campus ministry can help remind you of your purpose! This year the campus ministry (CMI) I attend started a church on campus: Illuminate Campus Church! I am blessed to be actively serving in ministry at school. If you do not have an Apostolic campus ministry at your school, I encourage you to start one!
Marriage
CMI is great, but how do you keep up with school and work?
Don’t compartmentalize it. Mike Mcgurk, the CMI director at Maryland University, said that we’ve got to marry school and ministry, not separate the two. Learning to marry ministry and education is all part of properly balancing time. Listen to Christian music when studying with friends. Smile as you walk to classes. Sooner or later people will notice you, and they’ll want what you have.
Don’t let ministry be an obligation. Let it become your life.
If you want to learn more about starting a campus ministry at your school check out http://www.campusnow.org/home.
How are you balancing your time? Do you have any tips? I’d love to hear from you! Leave your ideas in the comments.