Those of us who live in Minnesota—or anywhere there’s snow, for that matter—know the importance of having a good home. It has to be able to withstand the harshness of winters, keeping you warm and comfortable inside its walls. When it comes to insulating your house from the cold, the foundation is more crucial than one might initially think. Without a good foundation, the building won’t be able to keep out moisture from rain and snow, making it harder to hold in heat. The foundation is also what bears all the weight from the structure. Without a solid foundation, you will eventually end up with a cracked and damaged structure. 

Our walk through this life is also in danger if Christ isn’t our solid foundation. 

Our theme on campus this year, “Rock Solid,” seems very fitting for many reasons. The newest group of students have definitely kept us on our toes. We are starting to see more of the effect that Covid has had not just on us, but on their generation. The state of life they were in when the pandemic began has changed how we might expect them to act during their college experience. The pandemic has taken a toll.  

When a child leaves home for the first time, there is no doubt going to be some trepidation. Starting college or a new job in a different community—whatever the reason is for leaving your parents’ home—may lead to some new questions: “How am I going to support myself?” “Can I make it on my own?” “What do I want to do with the rest of my life?” “Who am I?” It is a crucial time for young adults to step out on their own and find their footing.  

Many students, due to the nature of the last two years, have dealt with an increase in anxiety and depression. There’s almost this sense of wandering, of frantically searching for security during the chaos. This time of life can already be tumultuous as they navigate a new school and expectations from others. But add in the uncertainty of these last two years, and one can easily feel overwhelmed.  

Many students, due to the nature of the last two years, have dealt with an increase in anxiety and depression.

And that is where being at FLBC plays a key role in their lives. Naturally, they will face decisions about their worldviews and their faith. Will they put their trust and hope in Christ, making Him their rock and foundation? Will this faith become more than just what their parents believed? Will they allow the Word to guide them when the next step isn’t clear?  

The psalmist echoes our prayer for them: “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy” (61:1-3). The beauty of our God and King is that He answers when we cry out. He is a reliable foundation because He does not fail. Our students’ time here, however long that is, sets a foundation that will not crumble when the uncertainty and doubt hits. God will remain faithful. He has a chesed (steadfast love) that will not be moved, and that is a promise these students can hold onto wherever their lives take them.   

Breanna Chvojieck [FLBC registrar] is a 2018 graduate of FLBC.