He's Got the Whole Boat in His Hands!

Last week's “Inspirational Video” on my website really caused me to reflect on the demeanor of defeat that I know I have projected time and time again. Please forgive me!  While each year of teaching continues to increase in its challenges, I do declare that this year seems to hold the award for all time concentrated challenges in one room. But here’s the flip side to that pancake, I asked for the challenge!  Therefore, I have to continually remind myself that every bump I encounter has been pre-orchestrated by the One who led me to raise my hand to say, “Yes, Lord.”  

So it was with tears in my eyes, that after hearing the message by Priscilla Shirer, a dynamic speaker and author, that I resolved to make some changes that involve my perception, language, health and planning.  This blog entry will just focus on changing one's perception of how God has planned to use you in the field of education...in or out of the "boat". 

Have you ever said these words in prayer to God at the very end or very beginning of your school year?  “Lord, send me where You need me.  Give me the students that You want me to have.  Place me where I can make the greatest difference.”  Then when you get what you get, or go where you go, you complain…all year?

I think if we glimpse at the life of Peter a disciple of Jesus , we’ll see how saying yes will take us through ups and downs, questions and answers and the best assurance ever; knowing Jesus is always with us, through it all, growing and equipping us for the next level in our lives.

Yes…in the Boat:  Luke 5:1-11

According to the book of Luke, Peter’s first encounter with Jesus wasn’t on the boat or shoreline of the sea, but in his own home.  We too probably had our first encounter with Jesus away from the job.  But when Jesus showed up on Peter’s job and used Peter’s livelihood (his fishing boat) to get His message across to the masses, Peter’s whole life was changed.  

Just like Peter, after the disappointments and frustrations of hard work and no results, you must allow the Creator Himself to climb into your livelihood of teaching  and muster up the faith to tell Him, “Because You say so, I’ll do it"!  Then, when you begin the task again, go on ahead and thank Him because you will be blessed to see God work in a miraculous way!

Save Me…in the Boat: Luke 8: 22-25

Sometimes, as an educator, you will feel like Jesus is asleep on the job.  Although you probably can recite the scripture that God will never, “leave us, nor forsake us”, it often calls for more faith than one currently

possess to truly believe that fact.  Since God, the Omnipotent One, knows everything, you have to realize the "storm" which is producing the fear and worry in you, was ordained by God.  Don't be upset because it seems like He isn't helping you.  You will have to know, that you know, that you know,  since Jesus is with you, you won't drown.  You might get wet...but you won't drown.  

Call Me Out …of the Boat:  Matthew 14: 22-33

In the midst of a vicious storm, Peter sees Jesus walking on the water towards him and says, “God, if it’s You, bid me to come to You.”  This isn't like the last scenario when faith was tested in waiting. Here, faith will be tested in walking!   One day, He will call you out of the boat in the midst of a storm.  You will have to remember the first boat ride and know that if He can do miracles in

it, He can do miracles out of it.  You will have to remember the second boat ride and know that He will not let you drown in your struggle to overcome…especially if you are in dialogue and face to face contact with Him. Keep your eyes on Jesus and put His love into practice while you teach and interact with your coworkers.

Back to Work…in the Boat:  John 21: 1-12

Peter resigns himself to get back in the boat after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.  It was a lot for him to process…The One he had faithfully followed was murdered and he had denied the Christ three times. Jesus rose and returned and then left again promising to send power from on high after a period of waiting. 
There are times when the things that Jesus has spent years pouring into us mix together with the  mind exploding realization of our own weakness. We get caught up in a time of suspense waiting for a fulfillment of what Jesus promised and get frustrated when it seems to take too long.

Peter felt that way and wanted to go back to what was… fishing as a way of life.  But Jesus wouldn’t allow him and nor will He won’t allow you or I to teach just to be teaching.  The thing that He blesses us to make a living in must be used to influence the lives of those around us to be receptive to His love and the truth of His Word. That influence will lead other people to say yes to Him in their own boat!

Yep, the Lord has your whole boat in His hands!  Whether you’re in it with Him pulling in a blessing you don’t have room enough to receive, or trying to figure out when He’s going to wake up and save you. It doesn't matter if you're figuring if you have enough courage to climb out, or if you're sitting there trying to return to a time less complicated, please know He knows the plans He has for you.   He has “higher” ways and thoughts about your life than you ever will. Trust and believe that this school year has been ordained by God to stretch you, train you, mature you and bless you. Don't give up and don't give in. He has promised you power to be His witness, love to be His light and His presence to give you hope.

Have an awesome work week!  The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Toni

I hope you enjoy this week's song.  It's a great song of encouragement entitled 

   Through the Fire