BY Carol mattingly

Sophomore, Guest Columnist

This past semester I have been challenged and have grown in a way I have never experienced before. I feel like most people I have spoken to have the winter blues, are feeling the stress of midterms and are trying to plan an awesome spring break trip. I know these things are all true in my life. Finding a balance between work, school, and relationships has been really difficult this past semester. Sadly, in the mix of things, I have not been making time for God. So many times, this is the first thing that goes when our schedules get busy; however, it needs to be the first thing we make time for. When I read my Bible daily and spend time with God, life is so much better.

As I was struggling through these past few weeks, I found myself crying out to God and asking him why my life had to be so hectic. It seemed so hectic because I had forgotten what truly mattered. I realized that I had been focusing on all the negative things in my day, and the things I did not get done for the day. I have been so blessed to have a family who loves me, great friends, and a God who loves me when I am unlovable. Let’s face it; we are all unlovable if it weren’t for the grace of God. When I recalled how blessed I have been to be loved, to come to a school like Cornerstone and get a great education, I remembered some advice my mom gave me, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” (Lk. 12:48)

The grace of God is such a blessing when we submit ourselves to the will of God. II Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

I have been humbled by the grace of God. He is so good no matter what seems to be wrong. God’s timing is incredible. I am reminded of the Proverbs 25:11, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Many times in the past few weeks, I have heard similar messages through the people I have spoken with and the messages I have heard. God has used these words in the past few weeks to bring me back to my Savior, God. One of the messages I heard was from a woman at church talking about how God had transformed her life through her obedience of following Christ. She described her walk with the Lord as a, “Gradual, joyful, painful, mysterious process of surrender.” By surrendering ourselves to the will of God, we put our trust in Christ alone and he takes care of everything else. Surrender is a life lesson that I have to learn daily. I have been learning the power of God through surrender and submission to him daily.

I am so easily caught off guard. Proverbs 25:11 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Our relationship with Christ is the most precious thing we have. I am learning to guard that above all else. I am trying to focus my thoughts on what matters most, in the morning and throughout the day. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”This verse helps me remember how to go about living my day, keeping my thoughts pure and right. I know I have a lot of Scripture references, but this is where the Truth is. We have to be in the Word of God to hear Him speaking to us. God continues to remind me to surrender to His will. When I am right with God, I am fully aware of his presence in my life and I feel the freedom that only comes from obeying and following Him.

E-mail: carol_n_mattingly@cornerstone.edu