Conquering the academic mountain
20 “Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20Bible Reading
Proverbs 8:25
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,
Every student eventually encounters a class that feels like an unscalable mountain. Maybe it is organic chemistry, an advanced foreign language, or a public speaking course. You stand at the bottom, looking up at the syllabus, and you feel paralyzed by fear. You wonder how you will survive, let alone excel. Proverbs 8:25 offers a dose of divine courage. Wisdom declares that she was brought forth before the mountains were settled. The wisdom of God is older and stronger than your hardest class. God designed the human brain, and He understands the material you are trying to learn. When you invite the Holy Spirit into your study sessions, you are teaming up with the Mountain Maker. He will not do the homework for you, but He will give you stamina to climb. He will give you discipline to review your flashcards one more time. Do not run from hard classes. Lean on God's ancient wisdom, and start climbing step by step today.
Action Point
Look at your schedule and identify the hardest task you have to do today. Do not put it off until tonight. Commit to tackling that mountain task for 20 focused minutes right after you finish this devotional.
Prayer Point
Lord, I am intimidated by the mountains of work in front of me. Forgive me for doubting Your power. Please fill me with Your ancient wisdom. Give me the mental strength to climb high and pursue excellence today.
Reflection Point
Think about a time when you faced a major academic challenge and overcame it. How did God help you then? How can remembering that victory give you courage for your current academic mountain?