And he answered, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” 2 Kings 6:16, KJV
Insufficient resources, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate pay, strikes, and burnout are merely a few of the challenges educators encounter each academic year. But still, despite these uncertainties, we place our trust in lawmakers, administrators, colleagues, financial resources, instructional and human resources, security officers, and most often, ourselves.
But today, I encourage you, like the prophet Elisha, to place your trust in God…
In chapter 6 of 2 Kings, Elisha’s servant was overwhelmed by the army of chariots and horses (v. 15). Because the servant allowed the natural battle to consume his imagination, he made the army larger than life and was already defeated. The truth is that what we exalt in our minds will rule our lives.
While the servant was fretting over the army, the prophet Elisha said, “Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (v. 16). Even faced with a huge battle, Elisha knew in whom he trusted. He prayed to God to open his servant’s spiritual eyes that he might see, and God answered Elisha’s prayer.
The servant saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha (v. 17). Although they appeared defeated in the natural, they were surrounded by God even more in the Spirit.
Elisha knew the Authority, trusted the Authority, understood the power of the Authority, and believed in the Authority. And like He did for Elisha, God produces miraculous responses to our prayer requests when we genuinely exhibit simple trust in Him. As He provided victory for Elisha, so will He also provide victory for His educators.
Who will you trust when facing instructional hardship in your classroom, or with your students, colleagues, or your lead teacher or administrator? Will you begin to second-guess your choice to become an educator? Will you begin to doubt yourself? Or will you, like Elisha, place simple trust in God?
Lord, help me to trust in Your provision, protection, and guidance this school year. Amen.
Copyright Stacey D. Reed.
If you’ve enjoyed this devotion, read more in Stacey’s book, Morning Musings: Weekly Encouragement for the Educator’s Soul.
