Core scripture: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Message: I need to come clean today.  I have alluded to it before, but this school year has been a rough one.  I could empty myself of all the complaints inside me, but that would do me no good.  That negativity is wearing on me.  It drains every fiber of my soul to even want to teach. 

It is time to take a deep breath and step back.  I need to ask myself some questions.  What is God teaching me through all this?  What does He know that I have no clue about?  How are these situations I encounter daily working out for the good?  Most importantly, how can I keep the faith as I walk through the barren desert? 

First, let’s rationalize here that I am just a human.  My Creator knows SO much more about my situation than I do.  I cling to that scripture above that God’s ways are elevated beyond my comprehension.  Furthermore, Jeremiah 29:11 promises a future and a hope for me.  I must cling to that hope! 

This leads me into my next thought: I must exercise blind faith.  Blind faith is not seeing the Big Guy behind the curtains but still knowing He is there working all things for my good (Romans 8:28).  I may not understand His ways, but I can still trust in Him, leaning not on my own understanding but still acknowledging Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

As I execute this blind faith, I can likewise twist my thinking.  What if God gave me a large quantity of boys this year knowing how much they would benefit from a male influence in the classroom?  What if He knows the seeds I plant now will be growing years down the road?  What if these daily spiritual battles I face are making me a better teacher in the end?

All that being said, I should vent but not complain.  I should shift my focus to the positive and not rest in the negative.  I should seek to serve and help these kids while there is still time, modeling Christlike character for them to follow.  They might not be on board now, but who knows what could happen down the road?

I don’t know where you guys are at, but I bet you can relate.  We all go through these seasons.  We all need encouragement.  I am one of those guys that thrives on words of affirmation, so feel free to reply to this blog to do just that.  Even take it a step further and share about how the Lord led YOU through a difficult time.  Your story would touch the hearts of everyone who reads this blog.

I will end by saying this.  I read through my daily Bible plan this morning.  It took me to Job 1.  I smiled and nodded as all those calamities piled up on poor Job, but he still stood strong in faith.  Most importantly, in Job 1:22 it says he “did not sin by blaming God.”  Talk about giving me the right thought at the right time!

One day at a time.  Time to pick myself back up and try to make a difference.  Only God knows what He is doing, but one thing is for sure—He is with me every step of the way. 

Challenge: I need the encouragement, and I am hoping to see a few replies to this blog for that reason, but I challenge you all to encourage someone this week.  Anyone.  Make it intentional.  Pick someone who could really use that pick-me-up.  Write them a note.  Attach their favorite candy bar.  Make that person feel special.  You never know how much that small act of kindness will mean to them. 

Song application: “Lord, I Need You” by Matt Maher (I listen to this song every morning as I stretch my back.)

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here, I find my rest
Without You, I fall apart
You’re the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Pray that Christian teachers can model the fruits of the spirit for their students.
• Pray for patience and understanding for teachers that are going through difficult times.
• Praise God for the opportunities He gives us to grow our faith in Him.

Just for fun: You know you are in for a fun day when you see one of your most ADHD students spinning circles, sprinting short distances, and hopping as he is being walked in the hallway by paraprofessional.  Oh yes, I just witnessed that. 

Prayer: Lord, we know You are working everything for our good.  Help us trust in You even in the hard times.  Amen.