“Seek first His kingdom.” Those are the first few words of Matthew 6:33. Growing up in a Christian home, I was taught to seek God first in all that I do, whether in school, friendships, sports, etc. However, seeking God first isn’t always what we as humans want to do. I remember being conflicted my senior year of high school about the next step to take after I graduated. I prayed about it all the time but didn’t seem to be making any progress. I thought I would either keep working in construction or go to a four-year university to get a degree and play sports. But God had a different plan.

In the fall of my senior year, I visited FLBC at the UpClose event. I remember it being a fun and unique time getting to experience day-to-day life on campus. Still, I tucked the idea of going to Bible College in the back of my mind because it seemed like going would just be a waste of two years when I could be making money or earning a degree.

Fast forward to the spring of my senior year, and I still didn’t know for sure what I wanted to do, but the Holy Spirit was working in me and in my friends and mentors around me to point me in the direction I should go. I worked with multiple alumni from the Bible College and could see the blessings and spiritual maturity that came through studying at the college.

The verse that came to mind time and time again was Matthew 6:33, “Seek first His kingdom, and all these things shall be added to you.” Ultimately, I decided to dedicate two years of digging deep into God’s Word and studying at the college, and it has been the best decision of my life!

God has blessed me in so many ways through coming to Bible College. One way seeking God first through going to FLBC has impacted me is to strengthen my faith in Jesus. Being in the Word daily is important for spiritual growth. At Bible College, I am able to be in the Word daily, whether in classes, chapel, or personal devotions. A verse that has encouraged me to be in the Word is James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Seeking God first has also allowed me to meet amazing brothers and sisters in Christ who will be lifelong friends. Being at FLBC is special because the community of believers are so close-knit. The more time I spend on campus, the more I realize how genuine and real everyone is. This is only because of the love of Christ that is in us. It is a blessing to live life with a community of believers, whether we are worshiping together, studying the Word, or just having a good time.

Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” God is among us at FLBC, and that is a powerful and encouraging truth!

Last, seeking God first will have a lasting impact on my life, because by studying God’s Word, He is laying a foundation of faith for my life before I go into this world. As I go into the world,
I know there will be trials and tribulations, but God will be there. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Seeking after God is not a one-time action; it is a continuous and daily process. I pray that I would continuously seek God, because when I do, He will always be there for me.

Isaac Impola [second-year student] is from Arlington, Wash.