A Miraculous Way To Pay For College

posted by Erin Davis on 07/25/12 | Twitter: @ErinGraffiti
Category: The Future; ; 32 comments

college costsWe've loved reading your responses to our series of posts on college. Some of you feel called to go; others of you feel called to opt out. Some of you are heading off to Christian school to be trained to minister while others are heading to secular campuses and praying to be salt and light.

There is no doubt about it, decisions about college are important. It is an area we want to encourage you to surrender to prayer and to earnestly seek God's will about.

But here is another piece of the puzzle. How will you pay for college if God is leading you to go?

With the average annual cost of tuition hovering at about $20,000 for a public school and $35,000 for a private school, how is it possible to live out biblical principles for wise money management? The culture says the only way is to accrue tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. In fact, earlier this month we featured a post by a guest blogger who suggested avoiding college debt. Many of you commented that seemed impossible. But we think God is able to provide in the area of college funding just like He is able to provide in every other area of your life.

Want proof? Check out Talia's story.


I started taking classes at Bethel College my senior year of high school. I instantly loved it, and I did well in the couple of classes I was taking. The professors, the classes, and the atmosphere were perfect—everything I was looking for in a college. It was close to home, and it was even the place all my closest friends had chosen to go.

But during my senior year, God made His plans for my family clear and final ...

He was sending us to Kenya as His missionaries. We had been involved in an abandoned baby center ministry in Kenya through our church for years. My dad had helped to finish building the center and had been there at least fifteen times. My mom, brother, and I had been three times, too. It was close to our hearts and we were excited for all God had planned, but God's timing made for a very difficult decision for me. Should I go? Or should I continue my education at Bethel?

For the rest of my senior year and most of the next summer, the answer seemed pretty obvious. There was no way I could go to Bethel because there was no money to send me. I didn't believe God wanted me to accumulate $120,000 of debt to get a college education. I believed God would provide a way if I was meant to go, and that way just wasn't showing up.

We were all set up to leave for Kenya the following April of 2012. I had worked over the summer and saved up enough money to take a few classes during the fall 2011 semester while we were still in the States. My mom and I went to Bethel on the last possible registration day in July to sign me up for one or two classes. That day I experienced miracle upon miracle. To be honest, I couldn't even tell you how it happened. But I drove home from that campus with a full semester load of seventeen credit hours and an on-campus housing assignment. And here's the kicker: I only owed $3,000 for all of it.

Our departure date for Kenya had to be delayed for fundraising and training reasons, so my schedule was cleared to stay at Bethel for the spring 2012 semester as well. Of course, it wasn't going to happen unless I got another miracle. We prayed, and God came through. I didn't have to pay a thing. Not one penny. Even my books were provided for.

I still have my doubts and struggles just like every other believer. I still don't know if I'll be able to go back to Bethel this coming fall. But I know that if God calls, God provides. My family leaves for Kenya in August, and if the money isn't there for Bethel, I'll be heading to Africa with them. I know God will make His will clear to me. I believe that with all my heart. And I believe without a doubt that miracles do still happen.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).

Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

    Abby
    Wow.....!!!
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 1:25 am
    That was an amazing story. That just showed an amazing story of God's provision in our lives. He's in control and knows what's best for us.
    hippie4ever
    Re:
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 1:28 am
    Yay! Thank you for your faithfulness to God and the encouragement.
    Hope
    On Salt and Light
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 2:26 am
    Hi, About what Erin said (...others are heading to secular campuses and praying to be salt and light...). Jesus said in Matthew 5(vs.13 and 14) that we ARE the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
    I just thought I'd quickly say that.
    Thanks Erin for the story!! :)
    Emily
    Really Off Topic:/
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 3:54 am
    Hey, I'm sorry, this is really off topic. I have a lot going on in my life right now. I am soooooo confused. So, so, so confused. I don't know what to do. Things seem to be getting better, and then they suddenly get worse. Things are bad, and i'm making stupid decisions in order to try and fix it. My parents don't know. I know exactly what everybody is going to tell me. 'I have to tell my parents.' Honestly I can't. For reasons you don't understand, I can't and am not going to. Yes, I do feel really bad for not telling them though. I talk to my bible teacher at school about it, but he doesn't really know how I'm feeling, and every time I go to talk to him; I can't talk. I freeze up, and get scared. Or I don't tell him everything. Then I get really angry at my self for being so afraid to talk, and for keeping it secret, and then again, it gets worse. This last week, it has been really bad. I have been giving him notes, but he hasn't come to talk to me or written back. Maybe he is just really busy. This afternoon he said we would talk tomorrow, but now, already, I am scared of talking. I don't know why I am afraid to talk. I have made this seem really bad, I know. I am ok though. Although things are bad, I trust God, and know things will get better. At the moment I am living by the quotes, "God brings you into deep waters, not to drown you, but to cleanse you." and, "When life gives you 100 reason to cry, show life you have 1000 reasons to smile." What should I do? And please pray for me.:)) Thanks
    ...
    Re: Emily
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 6:32 am
    Hey there, I don't know your situation but I'll let you know something I experienced lately:

    I'd been going through a really tough phase of life and wanted answers and didn't feel like I could to turn to anyone. When I finally sat before God and left it in his hands and submitted to him, for the first time in a really long time felt a real sense of peace. And things have slowly been falling into place from there.

    Those quotes are nice but remember those things might make you feel better but it's usually short-lived. Only God can give you the answer and sense of peace that you need.
    Julie
    Re:Emily
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 8:05 am
    That was an amazing post..thanks for sharing.
    Emily: wow, slow down. I don't know what you're going through, but I'm praying for you right now and I'll be praying throughout the day. Trust God, cast all your cares upon him.
    DebtFreeWithCollegeDegree
    Sometimes the answer is No
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 10:01 am
    Of course, we also need to be open to the possibility that God is saying "No", when the funds are not there. I highly doubt that God would really want or allow someone to go into debt to follow His will. I have a bachelor's degree and no debt, and my parents did not pay any of my college bills.
    Change
    Confused
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 11:03 am
    This is a great story and I'm so glad that it worked out for Talia. However, I don't understand what I could do to make this happen in my life. Talia didn't explain how it worked out. Was it a scholarship? I have gotten some scholarships but they aren't big enough to cover most of the cost.
    Sarah, with the LYWB team
    @Emily...
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 11:58 am
    Do you have a godly woman in your church that you could talk to?? A Sunday School teacher?? Youth worker?? Pastor's wife or women's ministry leader? It would give you so much help in life to have a godly woman to talk with and pray through things. Consider Erin's post at: http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/index.php?id=912.

    Begin today writing out your thoughts and feelings and prayers in a journal. As you articulate, put into words, your thoughts, it will become easier and easier to speak with someone. Besides, it is a geat way to communicate with God. God is the One you most want to communicate with about this. And because He knows your every thought and every word anyhow (Ps. 139:1-6) you need not be embarrassed or shy about talking to Him about it! He cares and He loves you!!

    Blessings to you!
    Momma W
    Replying with Confused
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 1:03 pm
    Im with Confused...in regards to HOW Talia received almost full ride......I am a parent with 4 kids; 1 in college, and 3 following very quickly. We did take out loans and we are paying monthly plus my college student working to pay off $20,000 + debt.(private college). per year. Anyway, I know God provides and Praise Him for Talia.....any suggestions?
    Carrie, with the LYWB team
    Momma W. and Confused
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 4:45 pm
    Talia is off-line for a few days, but she may post a few more of the details of her specific story later this weekend.
    Jenni W
    Emily
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 5:30 pm
    Emily,

    I don't know what you're going through, but God gave me a testimony to share with people, so I'm gonna give you a tiny glimpse of mine (feel free to let me know if you would like to talk more-I would love to).

    July 2010, I came home from college. My parents weren't happy as we never really got along. From then until March, I experienced something traumatically terrible every single month. I was very depressed, suicidal, etc. I didn't understand. During that time, my parents had me see a counselor about abuse I had suffered as a child. I also experienced more after coming home (though, not from family). My life was dark as could be. Anywho, talking to the counselor helped. By Spring time, I had made many revelations about myself. I also got connected in a church near me that had primarily people my age attending. I made amazing, supportive friends. They were there for me, to hug, to support, to hold me accountabl, etc. I also realized my need for Christ last Aug after everything!!!! And now, I will be attending Baptist Bible College for counseling!!

    I say all this to say 2 things.

    1) God never leaves you. EVER. Lean on Him. My biggest thing when accepting Him, was trusting in His plan. That is so hard for us girls. (atleast for me) I wanna be in control. But He wants us to trust Him that He knows what He's doing. I would NEVER go back and change anything that has happened to me because I see why it all happened. Trust Him.

    2) Get connected. A church is so great for fellowship and for refreshing. The weeks can seem to drain the life out of us, but being able to worship God and reconnect has helped me so much. And connect with some fellow Christian girls. :)

    Hope this helped. Sorry it was so long! :)
    Lynn
    Awesome
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 5:54 pm
    Wow, it's always so encouraging to hear how God provides:) I never get tired of hearing it!
    NotSureWhatToDo
    So Confused
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 7:20 pm
    I'm super confused. I'm planning to go to a Christian University in the US in a couple of weeks. However, I somehow have to come up with $20,000?? It seems impossible. I have applied for a bunch of scholarships, but haven't received any...besides one for my grades from the university. Does that mean God doesn't want me to go? Or does it mean that He is just waiting to provide? I don't know..I just feel so confused and would really appreciate your prayers....I used to be so close to God that I just knew what He wanted from me. Lately I just have no idea anymore. And time is running out because it's almost time for me to leave for university. It's like I pray and get no answer. But no one knows; everyone sees me as a good example in my Christian walk so I feel like I have to keep up my reputation. Please pray.
    Meg
    Financial Aid
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 9:55 pm
    I'm not sure about others, but many of the top liberal arts colleges will provide loan-free financial aid on whatever portion of tuition your family can't afford.
    Patty
    Re:
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 10:32 pm
    That is so great how God worked that out for Talia!!!

    God has done simular for me.
    I will be a freshy this year in college and my family and I were worried how I was going to pay for college sense I didnt qualify for any scholorships.

    Well it just so happens that my sister runs into a friend at church who was franticly searching for new workers at a daycare she worked at. My sister told her about my need for a job and love and experience with kids and next thing I know I am handed a jobe the next week AND with the money from this job I will completely pay for my college!
    God is defeninantly in control!
    Best wishes <3
    Bev
    uhm???
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 11:12 pm
    I am also confused about this story. It sounds to me like she is now in 3000 dollars worth of debt so far but the story is about how God provided by miraculous means. Can you explain just exactly how He did this?
    Katie
    God is awesome!
    on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 11:39 pm
    Wow that is a work of God! He is truly amazing! Is there anyway that I can get more info about the abandoned baby center ministry in Kenya? It sounds really great. I just got back from Haiti and I would like to see more and hear more about American families moving to other countries. I don't know if that is possible but I would really appreciate more info. And thank you for this amazing God's awesome story! :)
    E
    Thankyou everyone
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 1:45 am
    Thankyou to Sarah from LYWB, Jenni W, Julie and ... Thankyou all so much for your advice. Turns out that the teacher didn't talk to me today, but said we would talk tomorrow. I wish I had a godly women in my life, but I have only just started going to church and don't really know anyone. I go with my friends and their families because my parents don't come. I have a female teacher at school who I have been thinking about talking to. She is Christian, as I discovered today! I could talk to her, but I am worried about telling anyone else. I hate the feeling that lots of people know. :( I also just started writing in a journal last night. I think that will help. I still feel a little bit confused though. I am definately going to pray about it.

    But thankyou to all of you, for sharing your personal stories and advice. I feel blessed to have discovered this website. I will also try the link you suggested, Sarah. Thankyou again so much, I'm sure things will get better.
    Emily
    I accidentally wrote E, but forgot the mily!
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 1:48 am
    Sorry, the message titled 'thankyou everyone', is meant to be from Emily, not E! Sorry
    http://www.kitchencarts360.com (Romona)
    God Always Provides in Hi sPerfect Will
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 2:04 am
    What an encouraging article on faith and trusting Jesus.

    In ou rhome we had the same issue and the Lord led through Christians (at the time strangers to us.) They gave us a website and encourage us to write product reviews. We don't make a lot of money but it helps in meeting the needs of many children and college.You can look at the web url by my name. You can do the same...ask God to help you to be creative. And blessings to all of you.
    Romona
    Sorry About URL
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 2:07 am
    Sorry it is blocked by heading.

    http://www.kitchencarts360.com
    Julie
    To Emily
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 8:47 am
    You're very welcome! I love helping people out and drawing them closer to God. God Bless! I'll still be praying for you.
    Carrie, with the LYWB team
    @Katie
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 11:15 am
    Hey Katie,

    Here’s a link to the African Gospel Church Baby Center where Talia’s family will be serving:
    http://www.agcbabycenter.org/.
    Carrie, with the LYWB team
    Re: So Confused
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 11:54 am
    Oh, sweet friend, you don’t have to keep up the appearance of having it all together. It’s ok to take off the mask and be real. It’s not only ok, it’s necessary. God says He opposes the proud (those who are unwilling to admit their need), but He gives grace to those who will humble themselves before Him (James 4:6).

    Will you be honest today with those the Lord has put in your life? Your parents, godly friends, pastor and church leadership? You need their prayers, wisdom and counsel right now, friend.

    Praying for you today.
    Talia
    Some Answers
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 6:19 pm
    Sorry that I wasn't able to get online to answer some of your questions sooner. The thing most everyone was asking seems to be how God provided. As I said in my story, I really can't explain all God did, because I don't even fully understand how He made it work. The day I went to register for classes, I spoke with the head financial aid guy at my school. After talking through my situation with him, he told me to go through the rest of the registration steps and come back to him at the end. He was going to work on it and see what he could do. When I met with him at the end of the day, he showed me the numbers. Some of it was accomplished through scholarships he had found for me. Some of it was grants. And some was through the generosity of others. But some, I simply can't explain. Yes, between the two semesters I have accumulated $3,000 of debt. That's out of $60,000. I still have no doubt that God was providing and answering yes.
    Thanks for reading my story. I hope these answers are helpful!
    Purple
    Right choice
    on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 9:26 am
    I agree w/this bog whole heartedly!
    I am a nursing major @FGCU. i will be a sophomore. Im trying to apply for next fall 2013 to get into the school's nursing program but its highly competetive w/high GPA's & getting all these classes crammed in & done b4 applying. I really want to get in and apply in spring 2013, but if I don't my back up choice is Pensecola Christian College. they are very afforadble & have B.S & Master's in nursing. If anyone could pray 4 me to hopefully make it in this school year or that God will give me wisdom (James 1:5) about transferring. Thank you, thank you:) &this blog is a blessing to tweens, teens, & young adults like me!
    MK & Minnesotan
    Re:
    on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 8:17 pm
    Hey Talia, would your Bethel College happen to be the one in Minnesota? That's where I'd like to go to college too (: Your story was very encouraging! Thanks for sharing. & Emily, even though I have no idea what you're specifically going through, what you are saying sounds exactly like what I'm feeling in my heart right now. I feel ya, girl. I'll be praying for you <3
    Brittany
    Re:
    on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 7:19 pm
    I'm in college, and will be in my fourth semester, and owe alot already. But, I do trust in the Lord to help me make smart decisions on how to pay it back and to be careful with my money as well. Thanks for the post!
    Sarah, with the LYWB team
    @Emily...
    on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 12:20 pm
    Just hoping to find things have gotten better for you. I trust you have been able to connect with the Christian teacher God provided for you! Thinking of you today! Praying God will connect you with those who can help you--and give you an extra measure of His comfort and peace. Blessings!
    Sarah, with the LYWB team
    @Purple...
    on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 5:52 pm
    I am praying for you this afternoon, Purple. These are certainly big decisions; what a blessing it is to read you know where your wisdom will come from--James 1:5! God will indeed lead and guide you and give you the information you need to follow His will and purposes for your life. I was reminded of these verses as I read your post..."Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path." (Prov. 3:5-6) I am indeed praying for you! :-) I pray God will give you the desire of your heart and cause you to be accepted into nursing at FGCU. But I entrust you to His perfect plan for your life.
    Talia
    @ MK & Minnesotan
    on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 6:11 pm
    My Bethel is actually the one in Indiana :) That would be so awesome if it was the same one. I hope you are able to go! I'll be praying for you. And for all of you ladies on here who are making some huge decisions and dealing with some really hard things!

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