When we're facing challenges, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed, frustrated or discouraged. That's why we MUST keep our eyes on Jesus and on what He says is true.
These 10 affirmations are truths we must cling to this year, so make sure you download the printable version or the audio file at the bottom to review daily!
listen here:
NOTE: This podcast and post were originally created in 2020 as we were about to head back into pandemic teaching. Thankfully, those days are done, but these timeless truths are still incredibly relevant to whatever challenges you're facing this year.
10 TRUTHS FOR CHRISTIAN TEACHERS:
- God has allowed each challenge in my life for a reason. He is wiser than I am, and I choose His will over my own. I am trusting that He will use this to work in and through me.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:28-29 NKJV) - God calls me to work from my heart as unto Him. That means I can do my best and forget the rest. I wonโt always have all the answers, I wonโt always have time to do everything I want to, and things wonโt always go perfectly. And thatโs okay. God didnโt call me to perfection but humble service.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV) - I can never do this on my own, but I donโt have to. God promises to guide, provide, uphold, and strengthen me. My weakness is an opportunity to see my need of Him more clearly, rely on Him, and shine forth His strength.
And He said to me, โMy grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.โ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV) - I want to know all the solutions now, but God does not operate on my timetable. I must wait patiently, knowing His ways are best. He is the perfect teacher and Father and He will show me what I need when I need it if I am listening for His voice.
โFor My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,โ says the Lord. โFor as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.โ (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV) - God wants me to thrive and be effective in all the roles Heโs given me, not just at teaching. Therefore, I must prioritize balance, rest, and my relationship with Him.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.โ (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV) - The greatest command is to love God and love others. This is more important than my to-do list. If I donโt get everything done today, thatโs okay. My attitude and love for others is more important.
Jesus said to him, โโYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.โ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: โYou shall love your neighbor as yourself.โโ (Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV) - Anxiety, stress, and overwhelm do not come from God. They either arise out of my own sinful heart or are attacks of the devil. I must raise the shield of faith and choose to trust that He is enough and that He will provide.
Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:16 NKJV) - When dealing with disagreement or conflict from others, God asks me to bear with them, choosing to humbly give them the patience & grace I would want in return. I am called to forgive, and I should keep in mind that everyone is struggling right now.
Therefore, as Godโs chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13 CSB) - Thankfulness and praise are powerful antidotes to stress and worry.
And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:15-16 CSB) - God has given me the incredible opportunity to impact studentsโ hearts and lives. If Iโm not feeling joyful about that right now, I can choose to rejoice in the Lord and His goodness and let that joy flow through me, shining His light into my studentsโ world.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. (Phil 4:4, 2:14-16a NKJV)
Grab the pdf & audio file
It's not enough to read these truths once. Instead, we need to revisit them and meditate them on a regular basis so that they sink down into our hearts and change the way we think.
We've created a printable download and an audio file so you can keep these truths close to you throughout the year! You may want to listen on the way to work in the mornings or post the list next to your desk.
Click here to download these now:
KEEP ADDING TO THE LIST!
Donโt stop with these ten truths.
As you run across new struggles, search Gods word for the corresponding truths and add them to your list.
Hereโs one Iโve already added to mine:
When I am afraid, I must put my trust in You. I know that you are in control and that your ways are higher and wiser than mine. I will surrender to whatever You choose to bring or allow into my life. I will choose not to fear it, knowing that even if the worst were to happen, you would carry me through it.
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4 NKJV)
GROW WITH US!
If you need help figuring out what it looks like to actually trust God please check out Teach Uplifted - your 6-week path to banish stress and teach with joy. You'll emerge from this crisis with your faith strengthened, your hope renewed, and your joy unassailable.
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I recently joined this group (last week) and you guys have been a tremendous blessing and encouragement to my life.
I have interest in working with young minds. My passion for children places emphasison teaching and exhibiting fruits of the spirits even in unlovable moments. However, I dare say the climate has not given people like me ( overseas trained) the much desired work opportunity to deplore our talents.
Looking forward to working with Christian Preschools in NSW.
Mega Blessings to this awseome team.
Thank you! This came right on time. ??