“I try not to stress out by thinking about my purpose too much. If I get a job, a family, the American dream, then I don’t have to think about that. Because I won’t ever really know my purpose” said “Brandon”, an athiest/agnostic student. He’s a thoughtful guy. We had a nice talk with him at Awareness Day (activities fair) in the beginning of the year, and then again today at the Red Cup Proxe Station. I asked him about his thirsts, particularly purpose. He said he was “good” with all the other thirsts, fun, success, and love, but purpose– that one he hadn’t figured out. I showed him how thirsts point to something missing. “Brandon, I believe that God has a specific purpose for you. If God proved himself to you, Brandon, would you listen to Him about His plan for your life?” He admitted he would, but that God hasn’t proven himself to be real in his life.
We had about a 20 minute conversation, pleasantly debating some different philosophies and discussing the actions of people of faith. He said he had to go, and he went off with his lunch.
Later as I was cleaning up, Brandon walked back in the door where I was leaving, turned around, and held it open for me. (I was carrying all the supplies and boards). “Hey”, he said, “I wanted to ask you a question. Does your group ever have debates about gay marriage?” (this was sort of out of left field). I responded that every now and then we address homosexuality, but that we don’t give much time to the arguments. “Oh, well because I’m part of the Gay Straight Alliance on campus– do you think we could ever do a join talk between the groups?” I mentioned that one of the leaders of GSA actually attends the River, and said that it sounded like an idea.
Today I had challenging, genuine conversation with Brandon, listening to his beliefs and lack there of, and gained his trust. I pointed out his thirst leads us to see there is something missing. I gained his respect and even changed his mind about some of the things he thought about Christians. I know this is true because our talking led him to consider a topic that might be something where both GSA and InterVarsity could “come together” on.
He admitted that if God proved himself, he would be willing to listen to the plan He has for his life. Would you pray God reveals himself to Brandon? That he could put his trust in God, and find his purpose, find his thirsts quenched in Jesus?
