Ever since I surrendered my life to the Lord, I’ve had a consistent desire for the people I love to do the same. Knowing Jesus and having a constant relationship with Him has been without question the most significant, valuable, precious, and essential component of my life.  I want that for my people, and I want them for Jesus because they are who He wants!

From the journal  .  .  .  . February 1998

You have to help me, Jesus, because You want so much for my students.  And I’m not what they need.  They need You.  How can I get them to know that?

And God Said to Me:

Prayer.  You underestimate the prayers you pray. 

James 5:16b The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 

I can keep and use you in the public school system.  Be diligent to pray. 

1 Corinthians 1:27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing;

Don’t seek the approval of man.  Look at your students.  Look at Me.  Listen for My words.  I will tell you what to do. 

Gal 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Listen and trust.  I didn’t bring you into your position without a plan.  You are on schedule.  But don’t give way to fear.  Hold steady.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

This was a personal word to me, but I think it applies to most of us who are surrendered to Jesus. It hasn’t been hard to pray for my students.  The greater task is to not let the desire for approval of man get in the way of how I am to interact with my students.

It’s reassuring to know that no matter what circumstances we’re in, whether secular or not, the Lord understands and will give us words.  Just ask Him! He has a plan!  Always!