Core scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Message: It began about two weeks ago.  It seemed as if every person I came into contact with began asking me questions about the 2020 school year.  I began to question things myself.  Before I knew it, worry percolated in my gut, and I hadn’t even stepped into my classroom.

Been there?  You might be there right now.  It seems as if every day is a mysterious puzzle where the pieces are slowly sliding in and out of place.  Jesus is drawing a line in the sand.  His voice is calling us to keep the faith.  To trust in Him and His power.  To keep fighting the good fight.

Do you know how many times it says fear not in the Bible?  Over 200 times.  It is the most repeated command in the Bible.  I believe those words are there for a reason.  It is so human to let worry get the best of us, so God continually reminds us of His truth.

I was reminded of to keep the faith this morning in my short car ride to work.  I Am They’s “No Impossible With You” was playing on the radio.  The lyrics and my innermost being became one, and as I pulled into the parking lot, the song echoed in my heart, giving me purpose.

I am reminded of Peter in Matthew 14.  The waves rocked the disciples’ boat.  Panic set in.  The wind whipped their faces.  They were in uncharted waters, and suddenly, out of nowhere, Jesus appeared, walking on water.  The disciples thought it was a ghost.

Jesus replies, “Take courage!  It is I.  Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

Peter is there.  He asks Jesus if it is really Him to call him out onto the water and Jesus responds with one word: “Come.”  Peter boldly stepped out into the raging sea, but the wind and waves got the best of him.  You probably know the rest.  Jesus reaches out to save Peter.

Christian teachers, we are stepping out into uncharted waters.  Like Peter, we are human.  We fear.  We might get uneasy when the waters rage around us, but take heart—Jesus is there to pull us up!  He has never failed before, and He will not fail you now.  The question is will you take His hand?

I encourage you to keep the faith this year.  We are all in this together.  Lean on each other.  Lift each other up in prayer.  Be encouraging, and stay positive.  God will be there every step of the way.

Challenge: What is your go to verse where the Bible says fear not?  Explore these verses.  Find one that fits you.  Print that scripture and tape it to your desk at school.  Before you know it, that verse will become a part of you.

Scripture: Read through the story of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33).  If you were a disciple, would you have followed Jesus into the water?  Is God calling you to uncharted waters this school year?  How will you respond?

Song application: “No Impossible With You” by I Am They

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s7JbkAfY1Y

Right now I’m staring down a giant
Right now I can’t see past my pain
And right now my songs have turned to silence
And You’ve never seemed so far away

But I still believe
I still believe

There’s no heart You can’t rescue
No war You can’t win
No story so over, it can’t start again
No pain You won’t use
No wall You won’t break through
It might be too much for me
But there is no impossible with You

Prayer: Loving Father, we pray for courage as we begin the 2020 school year.  Dissolve our doubt and strengthen our faith in You.  Amen.