Upholding, Maintaining, Guiding, and Propelling

I had to take this semester off of school for financial reasons--basically, I had to come up with $3600 before I was allowed to take any more classes. And as of last week, that tuition was paid off (Yes!!). I was (and still am) REALLY excited to go back to school... I really ENJOY school, and was very eager to register and get started again in January.

I spent this weekend moving classes around, getting excited for class, registering, getting excited, scheduling, getting excited, and etc. And one of the first things that actually hits me monday morning is seeing how much all this is going to cost. Right when I see that big fat number, I immediately get into this anxious mode: "How am I going to pay for tuition", "Why do I have to take these classes", "What am I going to do?", etc. I was bummed! Even after that, I begin to encounter all sorts of dynamics that seem to be going against this genuine excitement for my education.

I had an assignment this week to look at Hebrews 1:1-3, spend some time focusing on it, and then look at different areas of my life through the 'lens' of that specific scripture. The 'Big 3' I have at the time are my Education, my relationships, and my 'personal growth'--for lack of a better term. Initially, I was somewhat hesitant--I normally don't spend a large portion of time dedicated to such a concentrated portion of scripture.. but, in submission, i persevered. Here's the reference:

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, (3)but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (3)The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." Hebrews 1:1-3, NIV

So what? Sweet. Jesus. Glory. King. Yes yes yes. But where does this impact where I am now? "Now God, I've sure got a lot of ISSUES, so you need to tell me HOW THIS APPLIES."

Ok. Sure! The Holy Spirit began speaking to me almost immediately--initially in this area of school. I actually wrote down this passage from the NIV before i actually 'got started'.

"...through whom he made the universe..."

Through Christ, Wayne State University exists and is still functioning today. Through Christ Wayne State University was made, and Christ is the heir to Wayne State University. He has "made, produced, built, operated, and arranged" WSU to be what it is right now.

This slightly changes my attitude when I hand Wayne a check for a couple of G's. My money isn't going into the pocket of some Dean or professor--Well, yeah, it is--but the person that is actually operating Wayne State is Christ. I'm actually giving my money to Christ in the act of paying my tuition.

When I see if like this, it is much more comforting than just thinking I'm giving money to the man. It changes what I can expect by me investing in this education experience.

The Universe--which just happens to include my education, my relationships, and my 'personal growth', is not, contrary to popular belief, upheld by my "mighty word of power." My education, my relationships, and my 'personal growth' is actually upheld by Christ's mighty word of power. What a relief!

'Sustaining' is the word used in the NIV, but in the amplified, it says something different: "He is [...] upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power." Sweet! What does this actually mean?

Praise Jesus for Webster!

Uphold: To support or defend (from criticism)
Maintain: To keep in existence or continuance; to affirm; to hold against attack; to keep in a specified state or position.
Guide: to direct the movement or course of.
Propel: to drive forward or onward.

This is powerful. This totally makes a difference in how I view my current position at Wayne State, or my current state of singleness, or my current spiritual/emotional state. Jesus Christ's mighty word of power is upholding, maintaining, guiding, and propelling ZACH FIFELSKI.

It continues to amaze me how much of the gospel isn't about me. This whole U-M-G-P thing isn't something I'm doing. It's not even something I can say "Ok, God! I'm going to LET you do this thing now!" It is HIS mighty word that is UMGPing it up--holding my college journey together, holding my relationships together, holding my life together.

This isn't just a preachy, feel good, change-your-mindset belief system. This is the Message of truth--this is the Gospel.

It's just the truth.