I look at their photos and wonder what is next for them: seniors I taught over the years.
Preparing to graduate and go into their future, which may look very different from each other.
Once plump, little ones in kindergarten lisping their alphabet.
Once energetic children mastering writing and math.
Once gangly adolescents walking into harder concepts in algebra, English and science.
Once maturing teenagers taking tests and writing papers while playing sports and marching in band.
They are all beautiful with potential and life! I wish them the best and for God to bless them and keep them safe. I pray for them to turn to Him to save them, guide them, strengthen them and protect them.
Some of these students faced trials in accomplishing their goal of graduation and meeting all the requirements to go to college or trade school. They may have had a learning challenge that caused them to find new ways to cope with academic success. Others may have had a physical difficulty that made it hard for them to fully participate in their education.
Regardless of how easy or hard the road of life, education and accomplishment has been for them so far, they will face new challenges and obstacles in the future.
What to do?
Mama always said I was stubborn as a mule and had the memory of an elephant. Now, that was not exactly the description I was hoping for. But, those traits have helped me survive.
As a Christian, trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and submitting to Him, how do we face obstacles?
I had a horse when I was a teenager, and he was so scared of water! If he stepped in the edge of a pond or big puddle, he would buck, prance, back up and try to run off with me holding on for dear life as he tossed that big head of his.
At one time he must have had a scare crossing a stream or going in a pond or getting in some sinking mud or sand. He remembered it and reacted the same way every time!
We can learn. My horse didn’t realize the puddle wouldn’t hurt him. He reacted as a life and death situation even when it wasn’t a big deal.
So we need to look at the obstacle and access it. How big is it? God did not promise Christians to have a problem- free life. But, we can meet problems and obstacles and examine each one with the help of prayer and the Holy Spirit to see it as it really is.
Pray more to see how to handle the problem in God’s will, trust Him to keep His promises to be with us, believe in His love and protection, stay positive through Him, and don’t give up! Stay in His Will!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12
Don’t try to run away!
