“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 54:17, NIV
I was so defeated and physically weak that my knees felt like jelly. I would have to struggle through all of my difficult morning classes with this weighing on my mind because I couldn’t talk with my principal until almost the end of the day.
I had given a first-grade child a B instead of an A on his report card, and the father was enraged. Even though I gave valid reasons for my decision, he wanted to “explore” the matter further. The more we talked, the worse it had gotten. His final word to me was that he would be calling my principal as well as the board of education!
Fortunately, the principal supported my decision, and the superintendent gave little credence to the father’s complaint. My reputation prevailed, and the matter eventually blew over.
When assaults come at us, we can easily fold under the pressure. We often assume the worst and take the threats personally. As Christian teachers, we try hard to be fair and to make wise decisions. But sometimes, we are maligned anyway.
During these times, it helps to remember that it is not “flesh and blood” that we contend with, but rather “powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).” It is comforting to know that “the One who is in (us) is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).”
We can leave the outcome in His hands.
Lord, help us be courageous today, knowing that You are with us. May we bring praise and honor to Your name. Amen.
Copyright Shirley Wilson.
Shirley is a retired member and former board member of Christian Educators.
