Just like the first time I taught a scripture lesson, the first time reading the bible one-to-one, or the first Bible talk I ever gave, the Howie program was a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone and receive some good ol’ life lessons this year! I would learn plenty as the new Howie with the Business and Law faculty.
It felt like just yesterday Rowan was introducing us to the staff team and grilling us on fun facts about ourselves. So what have I learnt since? Here’s just three things that come to mind:
1. Time is short
It’s been less than 12 months and I’ve already had to say farewell to students! This is the nature of uni ministry of course; students graduate, find jobs, change degrees, and even cities! I am so grateful to have shared life with so many students this year but it has gone fast. It reminds me that every day is a gift from God and we don’t have ages to make an impact.
Maybe this is what Paul means when he writes, “the appointed time has grown very short” (1 Cor 7:29). Jesus is coming soon, and we should make the most of every opportunity to see others grow into the person God desires them to be
2. Everyone has problems that need the grace of Jesus
Whether it’s perfectionism, people pleasing, addiction, relationship breakdown, anxiety, workaholism, I learnt that absolutely EVERYONE has problems that they are dealing with. It just takes time to get to know people to discover what that is. I don’t know why this surprised me so much. Of course, it can be a shock to realise that you are included in ‘everyone’ too. Prayerlessness, procrastination, a lack of courage, are all things that I’ve seen in myself this year.
But however big or small the problem, the solution is big enough for it! The message of the gospel is that Jesus has conquered our sin. And we proclaim this good news to others.
3. God is sovereign, so I don’t have to be
How can I sleep soundly at night knowing that there are thousands of lost people at Sydney Uni and many more around Sydney and the world? Because God is sovereign and I am not.
“Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4)
The same God who was watching over Israel has the whole of Sydney University in His hands. That has been a great comfort to me this year. We are fragile jars of clay. The power belongs to God. Please pray that God would continue to work powerfully through us and our weakness at Sydney Uni for his glory.
2024 wrapped! In all, I’ve had plenty of wins to encourage me, plenty of mistakes to humble me, and had a good God by my side who gives generously to all without finding fault.
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure”. (Philippians 2:13)
Go again next year?
– Hamish Noble, Howard Guinness Project 2024-2025
