Day 3:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of
love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
I saw a post on Facebook today from another teacher
who is very anxious about the upcoming school year. She described the reasons for her worry and
ended her post with the question, “Should I be this anxious?” I’m glad she received comments that encouraged
her and gave her advice instead of just brushing off her concern with a “You
can do it”. The stress that new teachers
and teachers that are changing grade levels or schools can be overwhelming. The
fear that develops can be debilitating and crippling. Unfortunately, when one gives in to it, it hinders
them from trusting and allowing God to be God.
Two days ago, I shared that everything about the upcoming school year is new for me. The process of starting all over, packing
up twelve years of teaching from my former school, (well… twenty-three total…
I’m sort of a packrat) and going to another division, school, and grade level
seriously took me through every emotion.
Let me backtrack… the fear that I wouldn’t be
hired because I’m not a young teacher bringing in a wealth of new methods and
energy to learn a whole lot of new ones gripped me. The fear that the only offer I would get
would be at a school I didn’t want to teach haunted me.
But
God took me through…
He held my hand and sat with me through every
interview (good and bad) and He blessed me with a job.
However,
my fear didn’t stop there…
I’ve been scared, really scared about starting
this new position at my new school.
Everyone around here who’s heard me utter its name has not said a single
positive thing about it. I’ve also been
scared, really scared about not finding a new house before school starts. Everyday was filled in some kind of way with
doubt and anxiety about my future.
But let me share something that I’ve been taught,
and that the Lord called back to remembrance.
The word fear has been broken down into this definition:
When I heard a minister preach a word about our
God-given purpose, I realized the devil really must not want me at that school
to continue pestering me so much. It was
the enemy who was presenting false evidence against the word of God over my
life. So, I got busy praying first for my mind and then for my new assignment, that
I would be faithful to it and fulfill God’s purpose. I also was reminded that God has no intention
of harming me and His plans are ultimately for my good. The same goes for you
too. However, we must stay obedient,
stay in His presence, stay faithful, and stay patient. He is faithful and just and only gives good
gifts. Jesus is not the one who gave you or I the fear we may embrace at the
start of a school year or a new anything. Jesus is the One who has given us His
power, His love, and His mind.
Join with me in praying today’s prayer:
Dear
faithful and loving Lord Jesus,
We
look to You today as the author and finisher of our faith. We know You to be all-knowing and loving to Your
sons and daughters. We, however, do not
always trust Your plans for us. We sometimes
accept the lies of satan as real and shake our heads in disbelief at the
possibilities and willingness of Your abilities while trembling at the fear of
the unknown. Jesus, help our unbelief!
We
ask you to bless those teachers going through major changes with Your peace…that
peace that passes all understanding. Bless
our teachers who are new to the profession with the resources of time, energy,
finances, lesson plans, and wise counsel to prepare for this school year. Bless
our teachers who are changing grade levels with the resources of time, energy, finances,
lesson plans, understanding of the new standards and unity with their new
coworkers. Bless our teachers who are
changing schools and divisions with the resources of time, energy, finance, an
understanding of the curriculums, unity with their new coworkers, and favor
with their administrators. Even now
while we pray, we lift up ________________(name someone to whom this may
apply) and speak a removal of their doubt and fear and release Your peace
and power in their life. To You who are
able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or imagine, according to
the power that works in us, to You be all the glory, honor and praise.
In
Jesus’ name,
Amen
The Lord is with you and you are loved!
