Core scripture: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Message: God has a sense of humor.  A big one.  Truly astronomical.  You see, this morning I was going to come in to write about patience.  Something we all need, right?  Well, I am writing my blog from my iPad, sitting outside the school at 6:10 am.  Why you might ask?  Because last night I had the bright idea to leave my key card lying by my computer to remind me to print a document.  Too bad I need that key card to enter the building!  Patience, Clint.  Patience.  Someone will come to your rescue soon enough.  In the meantime, sitting on the pavement, ducking under the cover from the drizzling rain, will have to suffice.

Hold on.  Wait a second.  What do we have here!?!?  A car!  Yes, a car!  Thank God for cafeteria workers!  I never knew her name before this morning, but Jill just let me in the building.  I owe this gal something.  I wonder what her favorite soda is?  You know, it is funny how God works.  A little bit ago I was frustrated, banging on the door to see if anyone was already at school.  Now, I am at my computer, a little later than normal, mind you; however, God has allowed me to meet a new friend in Jill.  I’d like to pay her a visit later today.  Maybe ask her if I can lift her up in any way.

Why is it that we always want things to happen on our time?  God is always up to something.  His timetable is never the same as our own.  It reminds me of God’s message in Habakkuk 1:5 which states, “For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.”  Who would have believed what God was doing with me this morning?  Truthfully, I was struggling for a specific way to write about patience.  I lacked a story, a connection.  Our God is SO big that He showed up teaching me a lesson on how to be patient while I was actually writing about patience.  MIND BLOWER!!!

There is indeed an eternal perspective out there.  Looking at Romans 12:12 at the top, we need to do three things.  First, we must rejoice in the hope that God brings us.  Trust in that hope can power us through anything.  Next, when tribulation strikes—and it will! —we simply must be patient, waiting on God’s timing.  Finally, as we wait for God, communicate with Him regularly.  He will reveal things we never knew before.  He will build relationships in your life.  He will open new doors.  Even with cafeteria workers that you never knew before!

So, as you are waiting for the copy machine and you are checking your watch in frustration, make a new friend.  As the kid who just isn’t on board with your rules grates at you, allow a quiet prayer to calm your heart.  As you await students to finish an assignment, check in with the kid who was gone for three straight days.  You might find out something new.  Is this easy?  Nope.  Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy.  But God will indeed find a way to reveal His perfect timing.  Trust in that timing today.

Challenge: What topics would you like to see on future blogs?  If you have something you’d like to hear about, I’d love to hear from you.  Drop me a line at theteachersdevotional@gmail.com, and I will try to reach out to you.  I am always looking for new ideas on how to empower Christian teachers.

Song application: “We Won’t Be Shaken” by Building 429

Whatever will come our way
Through fire or pouring rain
No, we won’t be shaken
No, we won’t be shaken
Whatever tomorrow brings
Together we’ll rise and sing
That we won’t be shaken
No, we won’t be shaken
Oh, oh, oh
No, we won’t be shaken

Journal/Accountability:  Think about different areas in your life you are waiting on.  What could God be teaching you through these trials?  Journal about it or discuss it with a reliable friend.

Other scripture:

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
⁹ For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Prayer: Father, forgive me when I treat you like a fast food restaurant, wanting things my way as quickly as possible.  Thank you for your eternal perspective.  Allow me to trust more in your will with persistent patience.  Amen.