I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.” 1 Timothy 1:12, NIV
Do you ever wonder or doubt if you chose the right career?
Being an educator is tough. I’ve had people tell me…
“I could never be a teacher in this day and age, the kids are so disrespectful.”
“You must have a lot of patience!”
I have even heard, “Nothing like being a glutton for punishment!”
I often think of what life would be like had I chosen a different career path. But then I remember…I want to be more like Jesus.
Jesus was a teacher. He must have gotten frustrated with the people or the situations He found himself in when He taught. He may have had doubts too. Yet, He didn’t throw in the towel.
In today’s verse, Paul shares his thoughts in a letter he wrote for Timothy to share with the church in Ephesus. You see, Paul had to write the letter because he too was a teacher, and he too felt that same frustration that comes along with teaching. Some individuals at that time were spreading wrong information and confusing others about what Paul had taught before he was imprisoned in Rome. Now, he had to reteach it to make things right again. I wonder if Paul also had doubts. Maybe he felt he wasn’t a good enough teacher. Or maybe he thought he should be doing something else with his time.
As educators, we may have days when we feel like we are wasting our time, aren’t good enough at what we do, or should have sought a different career. But then I am reminded of Paul’s greeting to Timothy: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.”
You are not where you are by accident. Even though it is difficult, God has appointed you to be an educator for His glory. Just as with Paul, He thought you trustworthy enough to place you in your position.
So today when you are feeling frustration or doubt, remember Jesus gives you the strength you need.
Lord, thank you for giving us the job of being educators even though it’s the hardest job ever! You know because You lived it. Help us when we doubt and struggle with whether we’re making a difference. Give us the strength to take our challenges and turn them into moments of growth. Amen.
Copyright Angela O’Keefe.
Angela is a member and teaches children with learning disabilities in Florida.
6 Responses
This is one of the most meaningful and inspirational devotions (to me personally) that I have read in a while. God must have known exactly what I needed to read today!! Thank you for sharing what the Lord laid on your heart to share. I know I’m not the only one that needed to read this this morning 🙂
I’m so happy to hear this devotional blessed you, Tamyra! God is so good and He always meets us right where we are at…God bless you as you continue to serve!
Thank you Laura, I agree, He always meets us where we are . Blessings to you.
Tamyra, I am so glad to know that God used the devotional that he laid on my heart to bless you. He truly knows the struggles we have and gives us reassurance of His presence through so many different outlets. May He bless you in your life and all you do.
Thank you for this! I was called to teach, yet I have not been able to find a position for this year. I just sent a loan check back to the school I enrolled in to get another degree telling God I was trusting in Him to get me a job. Just yesterday I was scammed and lost the rest of the last paycheck from last year. I know I am doing the right thing, but I keep getting stepped on. it hurts! Please PRAY I can get my money back, somehow. Thank you.
Heather, remember that there is always spiritual warfare that we must deal with. Satan will try to steal , kill and destroy, especially when you are in the will of God. We are called to stand firm and when the Holy Spirit continues to confirm that we are supposed to do something, that spiritual warfare and opposition will most likely happen even more. God will make a way. Faithful Father, please intercede and direct Heather in your perfect will.