A NEW THING

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19, NIV

Nothing happens by accident, and nothing happens without a process. You and I both know that there are components of our jobs as educators that drag: whether it’s paperwork, meetings, grading, or even just trudging through a unit that’s not our favorite, sometimes we just have to use sheer willpower to get through certain days. The good news is, God’s got His fingers in all of it.

God uses minutiae and monotony, too.

Not every miracle happens in a dazzling flash. Sometimes they are the result of days, weeks, or even years of quiet, steadfast prayer…even when it looks like nothing is happening.

My own salvation story is one of faithfulness–God, of course, but also on the part of my childhood friend, who prayed unceasingly for me for three years, even when I outright rejected her prayers. She persisted in love and did not grow weary in doing good. And even though I’m sure she must have felt discouraged many times, God was doing a work in my heart that neither she nor I knew about. Twenty-four years later, she’s still my best friend and holds a special place in my heart as the vessel God used to lead me to Christ. I’m sure you’ve heard other stories like mine; maybe yours is one of them!

So I want to encourage you today: keep at it. Whether it is praying for a coworker or student, or just being the light of Jesus as you show up to work each day, “Do not grow weary in well doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

The winter season looks dead and still on the surface. But all the while, God is doing a new thing underground. He is preparing new life and beautiful blossoms in dark places. Keep at it when you’re in the doldrums: your job is planting and watering in persistence and faith; His job is creation, growth, and harvest.

Father God, thank You for the everyday miracles. Thank You for the way that You tirelessly and methodically work in us and others every moment to accomplish Your purposes. Give us new eyes today to see the blessing in the burdens and the miracles in the monotony. Refresh our energy and purpose in our schools today, so that we might be reminded of how much larger our mission is than teaching facts, filling out paperwork, and correcting behaviors. Remind us of the immortal souls that sit at each desk. Remind us that You have ordained each of us here in this place with these people for Your purposes, whether we can see them or not. Oh Lord, may we be inspired, humbled, and blessed to be a part of Your plan for Your kingdom today. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Copyright Rhapsody Jordan-Parisi.

Rhapsody is a Christian Educators member and high school English teacher from North Carolina. She is passionate about helping overwhelmed teachers reclaim their time and peace of mind through support, encouragement, and intentional strategies. You can connect with her at tightropeteaching.com.

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