“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
It’s time for the “end-of-summer stir.” And I’m not referring to making blackberry jam or strawberry lemonade. While stirring those recipes is more fun and relaxing, I’m talking about something I’ve experienced each year during my 34-year-long teaching career. Most likely, you have too—especially in this era.
This “stir” is the inevitable movement of teachers, administrators, and support staff from one building to another and from one district to another. It can be exciting but it can also bring uncertainty, caution, big emotions, and last-minute duty changes. The whole process can be stressful for everyone. Sometimes, it causes educators to leave the education field altogether.
Since this earthly event is bound to happen each year, I want to remind you today that God holds your future.
Whether you are heading to a new job or staying in your assignment for this fall, I encourage you to trust that He will prosper you and provide you with hope and a future. Instead of dreading the change, embrace this hope as you start a new job or welcome new staff members.
Let’s pray together to stir up some blessings as we begin this fall semester!
Heavenly Father, You are on the throne in Heaven, and we are so thankful. You know the strengths and weaknesses of our schools, and we ask that You guide the decision-makers as they fill positions to create prosperous teams. May we walk into the future You have planned for us with confidence. In the name of our Lord Jesus, Amen.
Copyright Lori Vandeventer.
Lori is a member and a corporation librarian/dual-credit English teacher from Indiana.
12 Responses
Thank you for the encouragement, my role is changing this year and I can totally relate to all the emotions you describe. I am encouraged by the word of the Lord that you shared .
Angela, God bless you as you start back to school in your new role this year!
Thank you for this message!💜
❤️
This was a perfect delivery in my email today as I head back to school to begin to prepare rooms and lessons for the new school year…and definitely feel some of those “big emotions” about it. Thank you for writing this, and I thank God for His perfect timing!
God is so good – He always knows exactly what we need!
We’ve got this! Good devotional. I’m new and didn’t know to expect this. Thank you!
God bless you as you begin your journey as an educator, Bobbie!
What an encouraging message today. Thank you! I am at a new school this year, and I didn’t expect to open this devo and find something tailored specifically to me. Wow God is good!!
Andrew, yes, God is so good – He always knows what we need when we need it!
Amen!
As vice principal, i’m a part of the hiring process and this year we’re in need of a fourth grade teacher for a large class. Although we’re a small Christian school, not having a full time teacher and no prospects at this juncture is, well, unnerving. This was the perfect reminder that our Heavenly father has things under control