“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV
Sometimes, the end of a school year brings more than just summer break. For some, it brings uncertainty. Maybe you’ve been told your position isn’t being renewed. Maybe you’ve been placed on leave or let go without much explanation. Maybe you’re in that in-between space—holding your breath, wondering what comes next.
If that’s where you are, know this: You’re not alone. And this moment isn’t the end of your calling.
The world may see this as rejection, but God sees it as redirection. His plans are never thwarted. He is not pacing heaven’s floor, surprised by what just happened. In fact, He’s already ahead of you—preparing something you can’t yet see.
Jeremiah 29 reminds us that God knows the plans He has for us. Not vague ideas—plans. Good ones. Designed to give us hope and a future. Even when the details don’t add up from where we’re standing, He’s still trustworthy. He invites us to draw near, to seek Him, to pray—and promises that when we do, He will be found.
This season may feel like ashes, but God is the master of beauty-from-ashes work. He knows how to take what’s been broken and use it to build something better. Something that fits your gifts, your heart, and His purposes in ways you can’t yet imagine.
So take a breath. You don’t have to figure it all out right now. You just have to remember who holds your future—and that He loves you more than any school district ever could.
Father, I lift up the educators walking through uncertainty and loss right now. Remind them that this isn’t the end of their story—that You are still writing something good. Draw near to their broken hearts, speak peace into their waiting, and open doors in Your perfect timing. Give them hope that rests not in a position, but in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright Morgan Preston.
Morgan is a former middle school language arts and social studies teacher. She is currently Christian Educators’ Director of Marketing and Communications and serves her middle school students and teachers through First Priority.
5 Responses
Morgan, thank you for writing this devotional. I am in a place of redirection in my personal and not professional life but this ministered so deeply to me. I pray it encourages many hearts that God has a precious plan even when we can’t see it yet.
Redirection is scary no matter where it takes place in your life. I am praying that the Lord will remove any spirit of fear of anxiety and replaces it with His peace and joy that surpass all understanding. You are exactly right, He always has a plan, even when we are wondering when it is. He is working it all together!
Thank you for this timely devotion. I am retiring at the end of this school year and it is bittersweet as I have dearly loved my years in the classroom. Last night was my last Open House, which made it more real. The parents were so kind – parents of former students, present students, and parents of what would have been future students all wished me well. I am trusting God in all He has next for me.
Barbara, thank you for all the years you put into educating children! What a legacy you must be leaving to have so many people wishing you well. I pray you are blessed as you rest in your retirement and you have peace knowing you have taught and loved well.
Very timely! I love this and always need this reminder!