God's IMPACT

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Last year, I was faced with the overwhelming task of trying to adjust to college life. At the start of my freshman year, I was weighed down with a demanding academic workload and was not focusing my energy on serving God. I was so worried about making a smooth academic transition that I had neglected to tend to the needs of my spiritual growth such as consistently reading the Bible. Before coming to UNC, I did not consider myself spiritually strong, and I must admit that I was doing little to change my ways and become closer to Christ.

My attitude changed for the better during spring semester. I began to put my faith in God so that he could fulfill His promise of never letting me fall or becoming overburdened. During this time, I yearned for both peace of mind and freedom from worrying about what I thought I could and could not handle. I knew these thoughts had to be dismissed if I was to remain adamant about pursuing my future aspirations. One day I hope to become a healthcare professional, and I am so focused on this bigger picture that I am certain that I am at the beginning of some of the best years of my life. God has given me a shield of peace and joy for this upcoming year. Not only am I excited to see His plans for my life, I am also looking forward to seeing how my life will IMPACT those around me. I want others to faithfully believe that He has created them for greatness. There are so many more miracles that He has in store for all of us, but in order for Him to complete his plan, we must trust him wholeheartedly (mind, body, and soul).

The IMPACT Movement Bible Study Group and World Overcomers Christian Church have allowed me to intermingle with other college students that also committed to serving God and being faithful followers of His word. Pastor Andy, a man of God, built me up spiritually for my excursions overseas last summer (since I was exposed to several different religious practices). For almost two months, I was not able to go to a Christian church, but I was reading my Bible everyday to allow my spiritual growth to become a weapon of protection in doing the right things while away from my Impact and church families.

I have learned that God is awesome for making plans for me that I did not know were in my “timeline”. He shows mercy and forgiveness even when I am not always compliant. During spring semester last year, I was struggling with an issue and seeking answers on how to deal with it. I felt like I really could not talk to anyone about it during that moment. I sought God’s love letter and the next day at church Pastor Andy was speaking the words I needed to hear. He covered every dilemma that I was thinking about and I knew that had to be God speaking through Him. God showed me that I am adored, favored, and should do His will. He will provide all that I need and more than I ever expected. Now I know that there is nothing that I should fear. God is listening, waiting for each of us to call on Him, and providing abundantly in times of distress.

Today is the day I boldly proclaim that I will IMPACT the life of someone else with this story. I also want to inspire others to know who God is and the magnificent miracles He is capable of performing. It is important to remain faithful to His word even in the midst of going through an obstacle that seems impossible to endure. You are never going through it alone if you ask for His guidance. Hold on to His promise, be obedient despite peer pressure, know that you are loved, and finally trust in Him always because He has created plans that exceed the power of man.

~Tamryn Fowler

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