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Key Bible Verse: He never grows faint or weary.… Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:28,31). Bonus Reading: Jeremiah 32:37-42

Around midnight I was finally settled into a hospital room. With my folks hundreds of miles away, I was finally on my own. But this time it wasn't so exciting. I had a stomach pump and an IV and was scheduled to have my appendix removed the next morning.

Much to my dismay, classes started without me. Each day following the surgery, I felt better physically, but worse emotionally. I was already behind in every class. Beginning school is tough enough even when you're well rested and ready to go. I ended up starting several days late and feeling rather puny for a couple of weeks. My plans, my schedule, my goals were all in shambles. That's when I began to learn that it's God who's the author of new beginnings—not I. When my plans are suddenly set aside, I can be assured that God is still at work for my good and His glory.

How ironic that I started my freshman year so far behind and yet, years later, ended up as the president of that university! Every day I walk by that freshman dorm as I leave my office. As I do, if things are quiet enough, I seem to hear the words of Isaiah 40:28,31.

—John Bowling in College Faith

My Response: What plan of mine has God sidelined? Why should I still trust Him?

Thought to Apply: All of God's greats have been weak men who did great exploits for God because they reckoned on His being faithful.—J. HUDSON TAYLOR (missionary)

Adapted from College Faith (Andrews Univ. Press, 2002) by permission.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, You have promised never to abandon Your people. Give me unshakeable confidence in Your total reliability.

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