Throughout my time at University I’ve had one particular friend, and now housemate, who has been resistant to faith. She hasn’t wanted to know anything about it, come to any church events or take an interest in my personal journey following Jesus. In fact, when the topic of religion has come up, she has always responded critically and harshly. 

 

Unfortunately, she has struggled a lot with mental health at Uni and a few months ago she attempted to take her own life. While she was in hospital, I felt God call me to sit in her empty bedroom and pray for her. I didn’t really know what to do or say but I simply went into the room and asked that God would take away all the darkness and that his light would come. 

 

Not long after she returned from hospital, I was in the kitchen making food and wearing a t-shirt that quoted Colossians 1:27; ‘Christ in me the hope of glory’. My friend started asking questions like how God could live in someone and why that meant we could have hope in life. We started talking more and more about faith. Eventually, I invited her to the CU which she came to and left with a Bible! She’s been coming to Church since and she continues to explore faith. It’s only the start of a journey but I can already see that her life is being completely transformed.

 

University can be a dark time for many students but this story is an encouraging reminder that God’s light can shine even in the situations that feel hopeless. Sometimes it’s even just a simple prayer and following God’s Spirit as he leads us. It might end up transforming the lives of those around us. What are you praying for today and how can you partner with what God is doing in your friends' lives at University?