His Strength, My Step

2025-2026 Presidential Address

While I was at the academy, I didn't really want to take on any leadership roles because "sometimes being tall doesn't mean being a leader." I was just interested in being safe and on the sidelines. However, when I arrived at Union Adventist University, formerly known as Union College, I quickly realized this would not be the case, as my height was making me so noticeable that I was forced to talk to a lot of people. The "little me" would have never even thought about doing this. I also find it ironic now that I made the promise to remain in the background. It was proven to be impossible.

Your freshman year will be your orientation experience, but then the real journey at UAU will begin. As you become part of our small community, you will not only see our strengths, but also see opportunities for improvement. When you see something that can be improved, you have two choices. You can choose the easy option of quiet complaint and anonymous gossip, or you can choose the more rewarding choice of action. Choosing action means you are committing yourself to the entity of UAU. You are volunteering your time and playing a part in implementing solutions that seek to improve the campus for everyone.

Choosing to step up comes along with a lot of discomfort. There's safety in comfort, but there is hardly any reward without risk. While I love feeling safe and comfortable, I am inspired and encouraged by all the promises of God. He knew we wouldn't want to step outside of the crowd, so He continues to tell us that He will support us. I find personal comfort in Joshua 1:9, the well-known call to Joshua to step into Moses' role and lead the Israelites into Canaan: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.“ (ESV)

When you take on a leadership position, you are stepping outside of your comfort zone, and that can be terrifying. You could certainly choose to play it safe, but the reality is, while you may experience some degree of growth and reward by staying in the safe lane, your ultimate growth and reward will come from taking risks. I find my resolve to take chances in the promises of the Lord, who was always encouraging people to take chances by assuring them that He would always be there for them. 

The words from the prophet Isaiah, found in Isaiah 41:10, have always been a reassuring source of comfort to me: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Even though I can feel a bit foolish applying this verse to things that scare me, like public speaking, it is a powerful and timeless promise. A challenge does not have to be quite as big as the national challenges faced by ancient Israel for God's words to apply. His message of personal strength and very presence are equally relevant and just as impactful for our lives now as it was for theirs thousands of years ago.

Every morning brings a fresh opportunity. You can let the day happen to you, or you can choose to happen to the day and make a difference.

By: Yann Birasa