With just a few days into the new school year for some and less than a month away for others, educators near and far have rolled up their sleeves and set out to prepare and download great knowledge into the minds of children of all ages.
How many of us know that no matter how diligently we work, if we don’t put God first in all that we do for our students, it will only have a here and now impact instead of an eternal, lasting effect?
When you have a moment, read about the disciple Peter’s life altering encounter with Jesus in the book of John, chapter twenty-one. Peter’s encounter reflects so many of us, that we have to peer into the pages for just a few moments.
Like Peter, we've recently concluded a season of ministry with our Savior and are now looking at something new. Last school year may have been filled with ups and downs, questions and answers, highs and lows and times when you knew Jesus was right beside you and others when you felt lost without Him. Peter and the other disciples had just come through much of the same in the days before and after the crucifixion. Now we find in chapter twenty-one, Peter deciding to go back to what he's comfortable with...fishing.
The story goes to explain that Peter and six other disciples experience no success in their impromptu all night fishing expedition. A man on the beach (Jesus) calls out to them and inquires about their outcome. Hearing that they had no luck, He then suggests that they lower their nets one more time. When it becomes known that the stranger on the beach is Jesus, Peter, in his gusto, puts his clothes back on and jumps in the water to swim ashore. His buddies are left to attempt to haul in the miraculous catch of one hundred and fifty-three fish to no avail. When Jesus tells the disciples to bring the fish to him, Peter gets back in the boat, now closer to the shore and drags the full net ashore!
Did you get that?! This guy drags a net full of fish that six other men couldn't pull into a boat! Where did that strength come from and can I get some please?
According to the bible, I’m not the only one who wants some. The apostle Paul asks for it in Philippians 3: 8-10 when he declares that nothing can compare to the “surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus”. He goes on to say that he wants to “know Jesus” and the “power of His resurrection” and the “fellowship of His sufferings”.
Well in order to get the strength to successfully make it through this school year, I encourage you to take after Peter and wrap yourself in an outer garment of praise and jump in feet first for Jesus!
As Paul desired, seek to “know” Jesus. The Godly strength you need comes from seeking God throughout the entire day from start to finish. Jump start your day with bible reading and singing music that exalts Him. Pray throughout the day. This continual communication helps to develop a relationship with the Father. It tunes your ears to listen to the words of the Holy Spirit guiding you as you educate young minds. Then as Jesus did for Peter, You too will be endowed with great strength to do what others who place their job before their God cannot do. You will be able to declare and demonstrate that you “can do all things through Christ who strengthens you”.
You will educate with power because you realize and allow God to activate the Kingdom of God already dwelling within you.
Lastly, in chapter twenty-one of John, Jesus gives Peter a specific assignment and reinstates him to do great things for the Kingdom... a partnership is developed.
No matter what happened last year, this is a new year in Jesus and you have new things to do!!
Maintain a “fellowship” with the Master teacher because He has a specific assignment just for you. Each student, each person on your grade level or department is there just for you and you for them. You will need His guidance to know how to operate in His daily assignments for you as His chosen educator.
So remember to do these things daily if you want to haul in a miraculous year.
Jump in His Word (read your bible)
and...
Seek His presence (pray)
and...
Wrap yourself in His praise (tell/sing your gratitude)
and...
Be endowed with His power (operate in His Holy Spirit)
and ...
Develop a partnership with Him (listen and obey)
and...
Have a great school year!
The Lord is with you and you are loved,
Toni
This post was originally entitled, "Where Your Strength Lies" and was shared in September of 2015. Portions of the original post are used.
