Robbie Mays

At many points in life, we find ourselves at a crossroad: what job to take, who to date or marry, what degree to pursue. These crossroads not only provide us with time to determine which path to take, but time to look inside and see what makes us who we are.

Working with college students has taught me many things, especially that no one wants to make these decisions alone. Some people turn to friends, parents and people who know them better than the average Joe. Others will turn to social media: what are the trends, what’s popular, etc. But there’s something greater that people seem to be turning to in recent weeks: God.

Throughout time, people have looked to some deity, higher power, good luck charm, or other metaphysical source for direction, hope and prosperity. This concept is nothing new, but what is new is just how many college students are seeking the Judeo-Christian God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth and everything in them.

God, who sent his only son Jesus Christ to this earth, so that he could bear the weight of our sin guilt — our disobedience to God’s good design — and by paying the debt we owed, cleared our sin from us so that all who believe that Jesus is the Son of God may have eternal life.

College students are faced with life-changing decisions daily.

For the athlete, a single play in a game could change the course of their life, either launching them into the spotlight, or ending their career through an injury.

For the student, a single class could persuade them to change their major and pursue a different career.

As a college minister, I have the privilege of navigating these life decisions with students, but not in a manner that looks like the rest of the world. Rather, I get the privilege of pointing them to the King of Heaven and Creator of the universe, who cares about them so much that he sent his Son to die for them. This good news isn’t just encouraging for their time in college, but for eternity.

The discernment that comes from the Lord God isn’t just helpful for college, but for life.

Many students at Lock Haven University (LHU) have recognized that they need more help than just deciding who to date, what major to choose or what to eat for lunch in Bentley. They need a Savior who can deliver them from the consequence of their sin. They need Jesus.

We are so excited to see the Lord working at LHU, as many students will be baptized this semester, publicly professing that Jesus Christ is the Savior of their sins and Lord of their lives.

Whatever crossroads you may find yourself at, know that there is a God who loves you and made you in his image so that you might know him and his salvation in Jesus Christ. In him alone is forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven with him.

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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week’s column is by Robbie Mays, Associate Pastor of Campus Ministry at Big Woods Bible Church in Lock Haven.