Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21, NIV

Every November, I put up a “Turkeymas” tree—a lighthearted tradition with a Thanksgiving twist that entails placing a big stuffed turkey in the middle of a Christmas tree. Students enjoy decorating the tree with literary vocabulary ornaments, creating a warm atmosphere that many of them don’t get at home.

One year, I had a student known to be an outspoken atheist in my homeroom. She also regularly attended my middle school girls’ leadership club, where she often accused me of being “too loud” about my faith, despite my strict adherence to the law. 

One morning, while others laughed and picked their ornaments, she decided to make an ornament of her own. So she scribbled a pentagram on a piece of paper and positioned it on the tree facing my desk. Knowing she expected a reaction, I simply thanked her, as I did each student. All day, I prayed for the peace and wisdom to handle this situation gracefully.

Later that day, my kindergarten son came into my classroom eager to add an ornament. He drew a nativity scene and, not noticing her design, placed it right beside hers. His innocent choice was an answer from God. 

The next morning, when she saw it, she assumed I’d set it up. I explained it was my son’s choice, which left her visibly frustrated. To my surprise, other students began quietly adding verses and symbols of faith around her ornament until it was surrounded.

As He often does, God had written a better story than I ever could. Amazing things happen when we let Him handle our struggles instead of reacting based on our own instincts.

When things like this take place in your school, practice patience and trust God to work in ways you can’t see. Invite Him to help you respond with peace, even when your faith is challenged.

Lord, let us take this moment to sit in awe of how You help us overcome challenges to our faith through Your Holy Spirit. Though it seems counterintuitive, we ask for moments like this so we can experience the blessing of watching You work in difficult situations. You are the best writer of stories. Thank You for letting us live them. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

Copyright Morgan Preston.

Morgan is a Christian Educators member, a middle school social studies teacher, and a First Priority leader in Kentucky.