God Prepares the Way: My move to Texas

“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; he will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 3:18

I have some significant adventures coming up! In a little over two weeks, I am going to be moving across the country!! This fall, I am starting seminary at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. To be completely honest, I’m equally nervous and excited. But, as I have begun to pack, I can see how God has been preparing my heart for this BIG move and a new adventure. I am going to share some of my fears and how God has been setting the stage for years.

My first fear is wondering, “Is Baylor the right school for me?”

When I catch myself deep in thought over this one, I have to laugh. God placed Baylor University on my heart almost six years ago! It is uncommon for an Iowan to find themselves attending Baylor University down in Texas- but I’ve wanted to go since high school. I applied, visited, and was accepted. But some doors weren’t opening for me to make the move down to Texas for undergrad. I wasn’t ready to be that far away from my family! So here we are SIX YEARS later, and I’m prepared to make the move!

Second fear: I do not know anyone

I have been asked too many times to count if I am nervous about going somewhere where I don’t know anyone. Of course, I’m nervous! But, I also keep telling myself that I already did this! I did my first two years of college at the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. When I moved to Sioux Falls, I did not know a single soul, but it totally worked out, and I made lifelong friends there! I have also put myself in many different situations where I was forced to crawl out of my comfort zone and get to know people. For example, when I joined a new bible study, when I transferred to a new college and didn’t know anyone in my major, and when I started my new job after school.

Third fear: Living alone

Many people have been asking me if I will have a roommate when I move. When I tell them that I will not have a roommate, they ask if I am ready to live alone. YES, moving 800 miles away and living alone is a lot at once! But luckily, I crossed the bridge of living alone my senior year of college. And, technically I won’t be alone because I am taking my dog, Homer! Homer is the BEST roommate!

There are many things that I could be nervous or scared about, but then I remember how I’ve already overcome similar situations. It is incredible to think that God has been preparing my heart and the path for this big move for years, and I had no idea!

Deuteronomy 3:18 says it best, “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; he will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

When you are getting ready to face something new, big, and daunting, I challenge you to think of little ways that God has already prepared the way for you. Do not fear!