“My husband received an early morning phone call one morning, and he followed me to school and told me in the parking lot that a good friend died unexpectedly,” (T) said, describing a watershed moment in her life. “I had previously been offered an opening as a sub or full-time sub at a local Gateway School but wasn’t interested then.” A Gateway School is an independent school that empowers students who learn differently to become skilled, strategic learners and confident self-advocates. “After I processed the fact that my friend had died, I realized that this opportunity would be something good for me. Besides, my friend was a full-time teacher at that Gateway School! I was like, alright God, I get you want me to take the job!”
(T) is the wife of our long-time friend, our son’s high school cross country and life coach. In many ways, she has been as instrumental in our son’s faith walk as her husband. She has always been the voice, smile, and nudge behind the cheering and instrument of faith that changed our son’s life. When I think of everything our son gained from his walk with Jesus, (T) and her husband were there.
She described what it was like for her to teach in this different school environment. “The impact was amazing at first. These kids needed this. They weren’t just kids with poor grades; they were kids struggling and dealing with all kinds of things. Some—horrible things. Some of the teenage girls were single moms. One of them, who I came to know, had multiple children.” I could tell how closely connected T was with this girl. I could tell this particular student really pulled on her heartstrings.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9
While we may think we plan our own way, this verse reminds us that God ultimately directs and establishes our steps. God, not us, actively guides our lives, even as we make decisions. The “steps” can be seen as the individual moments or actions that bring our plans to fruition, and God’s role is to ensure that these align with His overarching purpose and will. God is the one who directs our steps, guiding us according to His will. Despite our best intentions, we must be aware of the finality of God’s sovereignty and a willingness to submit our plans to His guidance and direction.
“The best-laid plans of mice and men oft’ go awry” is a line from the poem To a Mouse, written by Scottish poet Robert Burns. The mouse’s plans to build a house for the winter are destroyed when the farmer accidentally overturns the mouse’s nest with his plow while working in the field. Even the most meticulous plans are subject to unforeseen circumstances that can disrupt or derail them. Many believe the poem highlights the uncertainty of life — but what is missed by most is that while life may be uncertain, God’s is not. The result of our plans may be uncertain, but not God’s.
Talking about the single mom teen in her class, (T) said, “She had seen Christians in her life, even in her own family, who didn’t act like Jesus. She wasn’t getting the support she truly needed. She hadn’t seen many Christians shining God’s love, so I was trying to walk her through that. Like Jesus, ‘Love others’ unconditionally. During my time teaching, some kids have told me, ‘I know you’re a Christian.’”
I was curious. “How did that make you feel?” I asked.
“It humbled me, but I’m embarrassed to say it came with a little bit of pridefulness.” Knowing (T) as I do, I know whatever sliver of pride she felt wasn’t coming from a place of “look at me, look at how great I am, look at how better than you I am.” It was coming from a position of proper belonging. “I’m what I should be—a faithful servant. I’m following YOUR will.”
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
This verse is part of God’s charge to Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. Joshua was stepping into a significant leadership role, and the challenges ahead included leading a people with a history of doubt and disobedience. God first reminded Joshua that this command to be strong and courageous was not a suggestion, a meme, a pep talk, or a poster on a wall. It was an imperative, a direct order from God, emphasizing the importance of what is being asked of him. Strength refers to inner fortitude and resolve; courage is the willingness to face dangers and challenges without fear.
“Our oldest son got involved with Young Life in his first year in college,” (T) continued. Simply put, Young Life is a mission for adolescents, devoted to introducing them to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. “We could see the impact it was having on him. We prayed that it would bring him closer to a relationship with Jesus. Later, our youngest and his fiance got deeply involved and are now leaders.” When you see your kids experience transformations, as a parent, you want to be a part of it, too.
“So, my husband and I went to a banquet. We were helping clean up at the end, and the cleanup crew asked if we wanted to join the committee. We did for a while and eventually were invited to go as adult guests.” The sparkle in (T)’s eyes glistened. She was almost in a different place describing this. “It was a little piece of Heaven! It was the best vacation of my life!” she stated emphatically.
“Young Life shows kids an amazing way of having fun, building relationships, and slowly sharing the Gospel. It’s relationship first before the other elements.” This model perfectly fits (T)’s personality and walk with Jesus. Connecting, loving, and sharing through the lens of the love of Jesus is who she is. “As a public school teacher, I do my best to show Jesus’ love without proclaiming it. I know I go over the line,” she smiled, “and I have talked about Young Life with my kids.”
“Two years after I began teaching at the Gateway School, I came across a troubled girl named (M). She said, ‘Did you know I’m a Mom?’ She lived in a really troubled home. There was no real love.” According to (T), the girl’s home was more about obligatory care and judgment. “I wanted her to get involved with Young Lives (Young Life for single Moms) because I thought a connection with Jesus would be a life-saving way for her. Well, she disappeared. She’s now 18, has changed her phone number, and no one knows where she is.”
“It is sad, but you planted seeds,” I said to (T). “Who knows what will happen? Perhaps the Holy Ghost is working on her, and one day she’ll sprout from this seed, accept Christ, and remember what you’ve done for her.”
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Joy in its purest form can’t be found in happiness. Happiness is based on events and will fade. Joy can only be found in God. In Philippians, Paul emphasizes joy as a central theme for Christian life. Our call to “rejoice in the Lord always” depends not on circumstances but on a deep, abiding relationship with Christ, and Paul’s repetition of “Rejoice” underscores its importance. Instead of succumbing to worry, the most natural human feeling ever, believers are encouraged to bring all our concerns to God through prayer. There is a promise in this Scripture that when believers turn their anxieties over to God through prayer, they will experience God’s peace. This peace is not merely a lack of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and assurance from trusting in God.
My favorite part of this verse is, “which transcends all understanding.” Think about that! Even if you don’t see where it’s coming from, even if you don’t have a clue why God is granting it to you, His peace will guard you through Jesus Christ.
(T) said, “This passage has helped me sleep at times of stress. I have already surrendered my big problems to Him, but this helps me turn my little problems over to Him as well. This scripture helped me through the period when our oldest child was going through hard times early in college. I thought about the worst that could happen, but with closeness to Christ, the worry got easier. I had a sense of peace.”
It was wonderful reconnecting with (T) and her husband (D) during our fun weekend at the lake. After not seeing them for many years, it was as though no time had passed. They discovered that despite having nicknames for 99% of the people in my contact list, I had no nicknames for them. Well, now I’m thinking she could be Saint (T)—no offense to my Catholic readers. I’m writing this with a smile. She is as flawed as the rest of the human race but would qualify as a Saint if possible. I’ve never heard a negative thought or seen a selfish gesture from her. She has a heart of gold and the faith of a mountain. (T) finds ultimate hope in the kingdom of Heaven, joy in the love of Jesus, and rejoices in the beauty of our LORD. She might resist certain events, choices, and opportunities in her life, but she has an eye and a willingness for God’s plan.
(T) approaches life with humility, recognizes responsibility for her decisions, and lives according to God’s will, which ultimately determines the outcome. Do you want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.
“We are trying not so much to make God listen to us as to make ourselves listen to Him; we are trying not to persuade God to do what we want, but to find out what he wants us to do. It so often happens that in prayer we are really saying, ‘Thy will be changed,’ when we ought to be saying, ‘Thy will be done.’ The first object of prayer is not so much to speak to God as to listen to Him.”
— William Barclay
Key Applications:
- Develop a daily practice of rejoicing in your relationship with God.
- Let your behavior reflect the gentleness and love of Christ.
- Turn to prayer as your first response to life’s anxieties. Share your concerns with God and seek His guidance and peace.
- When you face challenges, remind yourself of His promises and the peace He provides. This will help you keep your mind focused on Him rather than on your worries.