Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28, NLT

Have you ever found yourself asking God: What do You want me to do? What should I say? Where should I serve? Am I using my gifts the way You intended? Am I on the right track? 

If so, those are not bad questions. However, sometimes we can become so focused on figuring out what we are supposed to do that we forget to ask God what He wants to do in us.

Jesus never intended for us to navigate our calling and circumstances by ourselves. He gave us the Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us, remind us of truth, and give us power to live as His witnesses (John 14:26; 16:13; Acts 1:8).

That matters in our schools.

We can work faithfully, prepare well, serve our students, encourage a colleague, handle a difficult situation, and make countless decisions every day. We are called to obedience and faithfulness. But we are not responsible for transforming ourselves, figuring out every next step, or making God’s plans happen through our own effort. That is God’s work.

Maybe the question isn’t always: God, what do You want me to do? Maybe sometimes it is: God, what do You want to do in me?

The second question can change our perspectives. Instead of carrying the pressure to make everything happen, we can pay attention to what God is teaching us, where He is growing us, and how His Spirit is shaping us to reflect Jesus in the places where He has called us to serve.

The next time you find yourself overwhelmed by what you need to figure out or accomplish, pause. You may need to ask a different question. 

Lord, thank You for giving us Your Spirit to teach us, guide us, and work in us. Help us recognize the things You have asked us to carry and release the things that belong to You. As we serve students, families, and colleagues, continue Your work in our hearts so that our lives reflect Jesus. Amen.

Read Dr. Minor’s related blog post here. 

Copyright Dr. Jacqueline Minor.

Dr. Jacqueline Minor is the Director of Victorious Educator Ministries and the author of the newly released book: Taking Jesus to School: The Fruit of the Spirit on Display. You can connect with her or read more of her blog posts at www.victoriouseducator.com.