It's that time of year again where we are preparing ourselves for another school year. We are all trying to get back into the routine of school whether you have already started school or are about to start. Bed times are set, lunches packed, lesson plans written, etc. It's all a process! While trying to prepare ourselves for another school year, you can't help but feel the tension, anxiety, and fear of the unknown in the year ahead. What challenges lie ahead? Last year was so difficult! Can we survive another year like it? What will our children face? Will classes be shut down for extended amounts of time or multiple times? Will COVID rise? Will education be compromised due to quarantines, sickness, etc.? How is this going to affect the next generation? All of these questions are at the forefront not only for parents, but administrators, teachers, and students as well. I feel this for my own personal children. I feel this for my students. To be very honest, it's heavy and overwhelming! To be honest, I had to start mentally preparing myself for this school year. I love my job! It's not just a job. It's a calling. I love my children. I love my students. I do not take what I do lightly. However, it's hard! It affects you mentally, physically, and spiritually. I've been in prayer over the past couple of weeks really praying for positivity, direction, consistency, help, wellness, endurance, faith, etc. I've really been intentional trying to speak good things for this school year and the days ahead. Proverbs 18:21 says "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." We are still continuing to make history! This will be in the books one day. What are we going to make of it? Will the effect be negative or positive? The Lord has given me little nuggets to continue on. I just feet the need to share to help lessen the worry, fear, and anxiety that so many are feeling. I have been thinking about Esther. Esther was called for such a time as this. Esther was a Jew. Her people were in danger of being persecuted. Esther 4:3 says there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. In fact, the times were so dangerous that she didn't even go by her true name. Esther 2:10 tells us Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. Times were not easy for the Jews. However, Esther held on to her faith and prepared herself during these difficult times. She prayed and fasted 3 days before going before the King according to Esther 4:16. Esther 5:1 says Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house. She went boldly into the King's court not knowing what would happen. Her fate was unknown. She could be killed. The King could listen to her petition. It was up to the King. However, she had prepared herself for such a time as this. Esther made her petition known and God gave her favor as well as saved her people. We need to GO into our schools BOLDY knowing who God is and who we are in Him. 1 Peter 2:9 says " But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." The 3 Hebrew boys were in the same boat. They were given Babylonian names. Their real names—their Hebrew names were actually Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were in uncertain times. They were Jews who refused to bow down and serve the gods of Babylon. Daniel 3:12 says "There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." The 3 Hebrew boys were being faithful to God. They were doing what they thought they needed to do. Yet, the King was angered and decided to put them into a more difficult situation. Regardless of the pressure, threats, and bullies, they still didn't bow; they BOLDLY STOOD. They STOOD in the fire. Their faith in God was strong! Why? Because they knew who God was. Regardless of the outcome, they trusted God and believed that He would make a way when there seemed to be no way out. Check out what they said. Daniel 3:17-18 says " If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." Not only did they not bow or get burned, but they brought awareness and revelation to the people around them of who God was and is. God was glorified and they were promoted. God granted them favor! Daniel 3:29-30 says " Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon."
Don't be afraid! I know the circumstances around us do not look great. There is a lot of negativity and uncertainty in front of us. The flames (numbers, protocols, requirements, etc.) seem to be getting hotter and higher. Everyday there is more negativity and it's overwhelming. However, God is with us. He is with us in the fire just as he was with the 3 Hebrew boys. Remember that you are royal! Your heavenly Father is the King of Kings! We are heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. You are a prince or princess for this day and time. We are chosen for such a time as this just as Esther was for her day and time. We are special. We are called to GO into our jobs and schools BOLDLY. We need to prepare ourselves and STAND for truth trusting God's got it. He's not oblivious to what is going on around us. This did not catch him by surprise. We need to SPEAK good, positive, and kind things glorifying God and encouraging others living in peace with all men. Romans 12:18 commands it. God will make a way for us. He will see us through this difficult time. There are so many promises in the Word for us to claim over this day and time. We just have to do our part and prepare ourselves. 2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Do not be afraid! Go, Stand, and Speak BOLDLY as Esther and the 3 Hebrew boys did.
Prayer:
I pray that this blog blesses you tonight and in the days ahead! I pray we all get a revelation of who God is and who we are in Him. I pray that we all study and apply the Word like never before as well as allow God's spirit to empower us like never before. I pray that this virus goes away quickly and suddenly. I pray that the Lord would be a shield and fence around us and our children protecting us from any harm, evil, or sickness. I pray angels encamp around us and our children as we go about our days. I pray against fear, anxiety, worry, etc. I pray your perfect love would cast out all fear. It has no place here! You have given us authority and power through you. I pray that every high thing would come down and every stronghold would be broken quickly and suddenly. I pray that peace and joy would overshadow your people. Let it cover us as a warm blanket. I pray that you would help us to submit ourselves to you and turn from our worldly ways. I pray that you would heal our hearts and our land. We need you! Remind us of your faithfulness. Help us to do what you have called us to do and be who you have called us to be! In Jesus Name!
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