When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2, NIV
I sat at my desk at the beginning of the day with tears running down my cheeks. It had been a rough morning at home, and now I had a full day ahead of me. I felt guilty about yelling at my husband as I left for the day. I was teaching a challenging group of students that school year. After school, I had a meeting scheduled with parents, and I knew it was going to be a difficult conversation, followed by another meeting to address the learning needs of a student.
I thought, How could I be the teacher that my students deserved while carrying all this worry and strife? In that moment of desperation, I looked at a picture of a dear friend sitting on my desk. She was one of those friends who always points you to Jesus and His promises. So I took a moment to look up and pray. I gave my worries to Jesus and invited Him to be a part of my day.
When we face difficulty, we can allow it to consume us or see it as an opportunity to grow stronger in the Lord. If we try to do it all through our own strength, we will always end up overwhelmed. But if we invite the Lord to go with us, He will protect us and give us what we need to get through. We will not just survive, but thrive.
Dear Jesus, You are our constant friend and companion. Your promise to be with us through the good times and bad gets us through the uncertainty of each day and leads us through the messy and beautiful journey we call teaching. Thank You for always being here. Amen.
Copyright Heather Kohnen.
Heather, formerly an elementary teacher in Minnesota, now serves as the director of the AWAKE Experience and the Leadership Development Coordinator for Christian Educators.
