As my first year in this role as the MBC Collegiate Director comes to a close and a new year begins, there’s one truth I want to leave with you above all: God is sovereign. He holds supreme authority, unlimited power, and complete control over all creation. He is never surprised, never caught off guard, never scrambling to adjust His plans.
Three years ago, when I had my stroke, everything changed. I was still a Christ follower, a husband, a father, and a campus missionary—but how I lived out those roles shifted. My physical abilities changed, which meant the way I carried out each calling had to change too. There were things I could no longer do in the same way, and other things I had to learn to do differently. In that season, I had to rest in the reality that God’s sovereignty meant my limits were not limits to Him.
Our ministry is often like that. We start the year with dreams, plans, and a mental picture of how it’s all going to go. Then reality hits. This year, you may not have the resources you thought you’d have. You may not have the student leaders you were counting on. You may not be stepping into this fall semester with the momentum you envisioned.
But here’s the good news: God’s sovereignty means His mission is not dependent on the perfect conditions. His Kingdom advances through the faithful, not just the fully resourced. In fact, our lack can often position us to see His power more clearly. When the odds look slim, that’s often when His glory shines brightest.
So what do we do? We move forward—well, faithfully, steadfastly. We show up. We pray hard. We love students deeply. We share the gospel boldly. We disciple intentionally. We lean on His strength daily.
Remember: our calling hasn’t changed, even if our methods must adapt. The same God who called you to your campus knew exactly what this semester would look like before you ever set foot in it. He already has students prepared for gospel conversations. He already has divine appointments on your calendar that you can’t see yet. He already has seeds that will be planted this year and fruit that will be harvested in the years to come.
Faithfulness today—no matter how small it seems—is part of His bigger, unstoppable plan. Keep your eyes on Him, keep your heart open to His leading, and keep your feet moving forward.
“The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.” —Psalm 138:8
So, as the fall semester gets underway, remember…
“We don’t need perfect conditions to be faithful—God’s sovereignty is enough.”
