College Success Tip # 46 - Academic Support System
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Higher Education requires a lot of sacrifice, time, dedication and focus. Knowing this at times the Higher education student can become easily overwhelmed and drained with all of the work, assignments and effort that is involved with obtaining a Higher Education degree.
When anyone is pursuing a targeted goal support is needed. One can think that they can do it themselves and they don’t need anyone and they can make it alone but that is not true.
Whether a human being supports you or not, we need the support of Our Heavenly Father to accomplish anything and God reminds us of his loving support in His word when he tells us:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart.. Jeremiah 1:5 (AMPC)
For He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support…[Assuredly not!] (Hebrews 13:5 AMPC)
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope’ (Jeremiah 29:11)
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 ESV
My soul dissolves because of grief, renew and strengthen me according to the [promises of] Your word. Psalm 119:28
God is our supporter, vindicator, encourager and the lifter of our head when we become weary God gives us strength and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
God also divinely connects us with individuals who are true supporters of our God honoring academic and personal targets and when you identify a God-honoring family member and friend who truly supports you PRAISE GOD!
There are so many confidence zappers and joy thieves who like when you are down and don’t want you to succeed in any endeavor you pursue that God put on your heart to accomplish and complete.
Family and Friends support you by making sacrifices for you, encouraging you and don’t just talk about their support but their actions, motives and sacrifice reflect their respect and support of you. PRAISE GOD for true supports that are seasonal, temporary and for a lifetime.
If you are around someone whether it is a family member or friend who is not supportive of your academic endeavors keep pushing forward towards the target, especially if God clearly communicated to you that this is the route you are to take.
I understand some individuals need guidance and God places trusted family members and friends in one’s path for encouragement regarding the direction they take with confirmation. But if it is something outside of that and someone is purposefully, intentionally and knowingly berating you, making fun of you and mocking your academic and God-honoring decisions understand that is not a Godly response and you might want to consider prioritizing your friendships and acquaintances.
Those who are supportive of you will cheer you on and encourage you. If you can’t identify who is truly your support and who is not seek wisdom, understanding, knowledge and revelation from God regarding this concern. Ask God to reveal it to you and to see the hearts of those in question. Believe and receive that God will give you the answer, He will come through in His Word.
Here is some encouragement from God's word below:
The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – Jeremiah 1:5
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Be encouraged today and boldly stand for God-honoring support in your life as you support others that the LORD has called you to.
Peace & God Bless,
Aiming Towards the Target,
Dr. Bryant