Post-graduation encouragement

By Liane DeHart

My name is Liane and I am a Corban graduate (’13) working in President Nord’s office as an administrative specialist.

It’s crazy to think that around this time last year I was praying God would prepare me for where He would have me post-graduation.

As I look back on my college experience I can honestly say that if you are at Corban, it’s because God brought you here and He wants to use you for His Kingdom purposes.If I can encourage you in any way, it would be to seek Him with your WHOLE heart and let Him show you the depth of His love for you.

My time at Corban was rich and rewarding. I was challenged intellectually, spiritually and relationally.

I played softball all 4 years, was on ASB for 2 years, had various internships and was involved in the Salem community and a local church.

However, my time at Corban was also filled with mistakes, confusion, doubt and depression, plenty of heartbreaks, shame and insecurity.

Many of you can probably relate, and I want you to know that it’s okay if you don’t have it together all the time.

I have found comfort and hope in Jesus and in who God says I am. I don’t know where you’re at in life, but He does. Jesus will meet you where you are, right now, in this very moment. Know that His grace is sufficient. His grace is all you need for the addictions you think you can’t overcome, for the pain you feel over a broken relationship, for the pressure you put on yourself and others to be perfect.

Run to His arms — they will never turn you down. Don’t get discouraged when the path ahead seems confusing or when you feel like the way is foggy. Find joy in the fact that He promises to guide you! Listen to His voice, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

I should also tell you that my life is NOTHING close to what I had planned. I thought I would meet the man of my dreams, get married in college, graduate and then start a family. Don’t judge – I’m just being honest.

With that said, my life is wonderful and far greater than anything I could have planned for myself. Even though I don’t always understand God’s ways or His timing, I can stand firm in the fact that He always knows what’s best. I sometimes forget that. When you give your life to His Kingdom, it won’t be easy, but it is so worth it!

Maybe you are unsure about what God wants for this season in your life and that’s okay too.

When you are filled with worry and fear, just drop to your knees and spend time with Jesus asking what He wants for your life. Ask God what He wants to do with you in your twenties – seriously, I have had to spend so much time on my knees over this. But Jesus is ALIVE! Get to know Him and what He wants to do with your life. Let Him mold and shape you according to His purposes and live a life of total surrender, completely trusting that He can and will do supernatural and extraordinary things in and through you!

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5: 3-5 (NLT)

No, I did not use the ESV translation. Jesus still loves me.