Here’s an understatement. There has never been a start of the school year like this! With all the trials and troubles of 2020, we begin the school year with more unknowns than anyone could list. Yet, this is going to be an incredibly significant time to be a Christian in education. What an opportunity for us to serve our students and colleagues. I love the story of Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah in 2 Chronicles 20, as he faced overwhelming odds he cried out, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
Ravi Zacharias once spoke of this passage and recognized three questions that preceded the king’s cry for help, "Are You not?" "Did You not?" and “Will You not?” In prayer, King Jehoshaphat asked, “Are You not God in heaven?” “Did You not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land…..? and “Will You not execute judgment…?" (on the multitude of enemies against Israel). Christian! Our God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore! Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD and proclaimed a fast. In the spirit of Jehoshaphat, let’s seek the LORD for this school year more than ever. I would like to proclaim a fast on August 1, 2020 and pray the three questions that he asked on behalf of Israel. "Are You not?" "Did You not?" and “Will You not?” For the state of education, “Are You not the God of all knowledge and power?” “Did You not bless this nation with our school system?” “Will You not hear from heaven and heal our land when Your people in the public schools pray and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways?” In Jehoshaphat’s time, the people prayed, fasted, rejoiced and gave praise because the steadfast love of the LORD endures forever. That’s who we are in the public schools, dear Christian educator. More than any other year, we must stand on 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. This year we must be ready to give a defense to anyone who ask you for the reason for the hope that is in you and to do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15). When school begins and the students and staff gather, you will be different because of the Lord. People will notice and you as you shine your light and love your neighbor. In times of trouble, Christians look to the Lord for power, love and self-control. Here are a few practical ways to be a gift to your school (Prayer, Care, Dare): Prayer
As always, I am prayerfully yours, K Karen C. Seddon www.ceai.org www.aw180days.com www.one16pray.com [email protected]
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