25 Stories | Samuel Glasrud

What ministry (or ministries) are you most involved with at Central?

Student Central

How did God show up in your life in the last 12 months?

After getting back from a mission trip to Colorado, and some reflection and realization of a lot of growth and ways God had worked in me, I felt this weight on my shoulders about my current job.

Since the beginning of summer, I’d been working construction. The pay was great, the work was physically demanding (which I enjoy), and as someone needing to save for college, it made perfect sense. Logistically, it was the perfect setup. But the burden I felt wasn’t about the job itself, but more so the atmosphere and environment of it. I realized it was holding me back from the direction I wanted to grow and go.

After talking to my parents, the idea of quitting (which I first laughed off) became a real option. It eventually got to the point where I realized it was what I needed to do and so I quit. I walked away from good pay and plentiful hours, prepared to make no money for the rest of the summer. On paper, this decision made no sense. But the weight I was feeling was far too strong to ignore.

After my mind was made up, I called an old boss of mine who I had worked for in the 3 prior summers doing roofing, siding, and other home projects. I hadn’t worked for him this summer because there wasn’t going to be much work, and I needed a lot of hours. But I called him to just let him know that I had quit my job so if he ever needed help with a random or occasional project I’d be available.

To my astonishment and emotional gratitude, he told me he’d actually been wanting extra help, and not just a little but that I’d be working full time. There were a lot of projects lined up, and I was told my timing was perfect.

To him I was helping him out, but to me it was the best thing that could’ve happened. I had gone from working in an environment that weighed me down, to joining my old boss and his sons — men I deeply admire and who have been some of my biggest role models. It was a complete 180. I had been prepared to possibly be done making money this summer. Instead, I was given the chance to work outdoors again, in a healthy, life-giving environment with people who naturally challenge me to become a better man of God.

It was such a clear display of God’s goodness, and when we choose obedience — even when it defies logic — He shows up in powerful ways. I couldn’t be more grateful. 

How do you live differently knowing God is alive & active in your life?

I think it’s all about my mindset with things. Whether it’s the way I treat people, my attitude and mindset, or my discipline. It all feels like it’s for God. When those things are driven by a desire and love for the Lord, they just come with a joy and ease because He is so far beyond worthy of the little I can do to be more like Him.

How did you share the love of Jesus this year with someone who doesn't know Christ?

I think the moments that stick out the most to me are times when I tried to display Jesus’s grace and encouragement to people around me. I’m big on intentional 1-on-1 time so whether it was getting lunch with a buddy of mine or a conversation at the gym I was able to build them up. In the season of life, there is so much of trying to figure things out and learn right from wrong, people struggle with that, and I did my best to share God's grace and also try and love on/walk alongside them as Jesus would.

Anything else you'd like to share about your story or testimony?

I am just so grateful and feel so undeserving for the contentment and peace I’ve found when prioritizing my relationship with God above all else.