When I visited Biola for the first time as a 16-year-old, I remember preparing for my first (and only) college visit feeling anxious. There were so many uncertainties ahead: moving to a new place where I didn’t know anyone, building a new community, and determining what major I wanted to pursue.

The beautiful thing is that my anxieties quieted that day as I began meeting current students, faculty and staff. As I walked around campus, I began to see myself attending college at Biola and immediately felt the Lord calling me to attend.

However, I still had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I spent a long time praying and thinking about it, wondering how God wanted to use me and my gifts. Finally, I felt Him calling me to major in Christian Ministry. Through volunteering, internships, classes and prayer, I began to find a deep passion not only for vocational ministry but also to help and support others in finding the ministry in their own lives.

I love Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

God has given each of us unique gifts, interests and experiences. In college, this translates into the different majors and activities we pursue. But no matter what career path we select, our mission and purpose is clear in Christ. As Scripture says in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of ages.”

I wasn’t aware of the Office of Innovation until I applied for the office assistant position last year. But the more I learned about the department, the more I really believed in their mission and heart for Biola and Biola students. It has been cool helping students get connected to the Office of Innovation and seeing them turn their interests and passions into businesses with the guidance and resources that we offer. What’s even cooler is that by doing so, I get to live out my calling of serving and supporting others as they learn the ways that Jesus wants to work through them.

God wants to use you for his purpose. It is comforting to know that He is always with us. He wants you to surrender and trust Him with your dreams and plans. He wants you to realize that there is freedom in trusting Him and being obedient in what He is calling you to do.

Is it scary? Is it overwhelming? Do you constantly have to fight the lies of the enemy of your inadequacies? Yes, but there is freedom, victory, peace, hope and comfort in following Jesus and being obedient. You don’t have to worry about being qualified or not. Because guess what, you aren’t. But Jesus is enough and His spirit is mighty in you. This encouraging verse states in John 14:26, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative - that is, the Holy Spirit - he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” You just have to trust Him and say yes, and He will do more than you could ever imagine or comprehend.

Biola’s Office of Innovation was created to help empower students, faculty and staff to bring their innovative ideas to life. Come visit us on the first floor of the library and get support in exploring the many ways to live out your calling.

Written by Jane Locke, Christian Ministry major and Office Assistant for the Office of Innovation.