I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13, NKJV
It happens in schools all the time. You sense that nudge in your spirit about a conversation you know you need to have with a colleague, student, or even a parent. Maybe it’s a volunteer who means well but interacts harshly with kids. Maybe it’s a coworker who has crossed a line. Or maybe it’s you, realizing you need to apologize for words spoken in frustration.
Those moments don’t come with easy answers. They come with knots in your stomach. And often, the question we quietly ask God is, Does it always have to be this hard?
The truth is, teaching—and following Jesus—often brings us face-to-face with hard things. God calls us to step into uncomfortable places because He’s more interested in shaping our character than keeping us comfortable.
Sometimes, we put it off. Like Jonah, we run the other way, hoping the task will somehow disappear. But James 4:17 reminds us, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Delayed obedience doesn’t remove the challenge—it only makes it heavier.
Other times, we find ourselves actively waiting. God lays something on our hearts, but doesn’t open the door right away. That’s not wasted time. It’s preparation. It’s the Spirit training us in humility and grace so that when the door opens, we’re ready. Paul wrote, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). Waiting well means walking closely with Him.
And there are days when we must do it afraid. Whether it’s confronting an issue, leading in a new way, or saying yes to an assignment that feels too big, fear is real. Yet God whispers, “Fear not, for I am with you; … I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Courage isn’t about never feeling afraid—it’s about trusting that God is bigger than the fear.
Why does God keep placing hard things in front of us? Because that’s when we grow. That’s where His Spirit transforms us. And that’s where His presence feels closest. As Paul reminded us, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8).
Christian educator, whatever hard thing God is pressing on your heart today, don’t shrink back. Whether it’s addressing a student in love, reconciling with a coworker, or saying yes to a new call, you are not alone.
Lord, thank You for calling Christian educators into hard but holy work. Give us courage to speak truth with love, patience to wait for Your timing, and strength to obey even when it feels overwhelming. Remind us daily that You are with us in every classroom, every hallway, and every hard decision. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Copyright Dr. Jackie Minor.
Dr. Jackie 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 learn more at www.victoriouseducator.com.
