Here I Stand

Simul justus et pecator - Simultaneously saint and sinner.

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01/03 - Not even PETA could come up with this by Rachel Engebretson, 3 comments.

08/06 - Crosshairs on Good by Rachel Engebretson, 5 comments.

07/09 - All Paths but One: What gives? by Rachel Engebretson, 5 comments.

September 01st, 2007

This is it.

Posted At: 11:45am by Rachel Engebretson

This is it. Today is the day I run away…I mean, leave…for college.

I’m not even going to attempt to describe the goulash of emotions, activity, and work that has led up to today. I’m sure everyone going off to college or moving out of the house can relate to some aspect, and my situation is certainly no different.

I’ve never been very good at memorizing Bible passages, which is not helpful to some degree. Regardless, everyone knows John 3:16, of course, we know God loved the world so much he gave his only Son to die so believers will not perish. This is a very comforting verse for any Christian. Besides this, I always remember my conformation verse:

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

Wherever I go, in any phase of life, I have confessed to be faithful even when faced with death. I was chosen by God, buried with sin, and risen again with Christ in the waters of Holy Baptism. I’m apart from the world - the crazy, confusing, and hurtful planet it is - and someday will be in paradise forever with the Lord.

I’m scared. There’s no doubt about that emotion. I don’t know what will happen once I get to River Falls. Sure, I’ll have fun and make friends. However, it won’t completely dull the sometimes overwhelming emotion of missing my family, friends, and of course, my pets. It’s the end of the first chapter in my life - 18 years - that’s a heavy thought, if you’re brave enough to consider it.

I guess the world is heavy. Every human on the earth is burdened with the effects of sin. Evil attempts to take anything that is good and make it wretched. I’m sure if you interviewed every person, you would hear a plethora of personal pain. For me, I might say it is going away from home while several doctors have told me something isn’t right inside. Once I’m on vacation again, I can undergo tests to see what’s wrong with my digestive tract. That’s not good.

I am not unique that way, and I know there are stories much worse than mine. But even when it feels as so you’re drowning in a sea of sin and evil too large to handle, the Christian knows their resurrection is in Christ. Even in the midst of so much death, the believer will receive the crown of life because of the payment Christ made on their behalf.

This is the truth that agnostics reject.

This is the only truth that can help you forever.

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