I PRAISE GOD FOR THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
by Debbi Weeks
In John chapter 17 we learn the scripture principle of being in the world while not being of the world. John 17: 15-17 says, "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
I’m also reminded of Beth Moore’s words in her study of Daniel: “We have been assigned to this Babylon at this particular time.”
Through our family’s experience in the public schools we have learned first hand that while we are in the world that we are not of the world and we’ve learned that this is the Babylon that God has placed us in. It is up to us to influence or be influenced. It hasn’t always been easy, but I praise the Lord for those times too (some of the best God-lessons are hard ones!).
Here are just a few of the lessons we’ve learned and that I (we) praise God for:
- I praise God for teaching us that Christian public school teachers/administrators and staff can share the love of Christ and point people to Him without ever uttering His name.
- I praise God for teaching me how to pray (REALLY PRAY) and watch for his faithful answers – (I’m still seeing answers to prayers that we prayed in a Moms in Touch group that I was in many years ago!)
- I praise God for teaching us that it’s not all about us – but it might be about the student sitting next to us who needs to see Jesus.
- I praise God for teaching us that an academic education is not the end all be all (although I believe my kids have received a fine education) – that there is more to life-learning than academics and that other people are by far the most important.
- I praise God for teaching us that even when you think you’re in the worst possible class with the worst possible teacher that He has a far greater plan for you than you can envision and that it is always best.
- I praise God for teaching us how to build friendships with non-believers and share the love of Christ with them.
- I praise God for teaching us how to relate to different cultures, races, socio-economic groups, abilities, disabilities and belief systems through our relationships with students and teachers alike.
- I praise God for teaching us to step out of our comfort zones to be bold.
- I praise God for the opportunity to shine as bright lights in the darkness.
I’ve been saddened by the mass exodus of Christian families from the public schools effectively diluting our influence. They leave for many reasons: “better” education for their kids, fear, convenience, peer pressure, control, time constraints and flexibility to name a few. I suppose there’s a whole host of reasons. As I was praying about this recently, God reminded me of Gideon’s army (check out Judges 7) when He had Gideon “trim” the troops so that it would be unmistakable that it was God that won the battle. Just as He thinned Gideon’s Army, He can accomplish His purposes (and for His glory) in the public schools with very few, but I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to be in the “fight” on the “front lines” because that’s where you get to see God at work. And when you see God at work, your view of God is increased and when your view of God is increased, then your faith is built!
Father God, thank You that You are omnipresent and Your hand is at work in the most unlikely places.
I confess that I am frightened by being alone and lack faith that you will still accomplish your purposes when the tide looks like it is going a different direction.
Thank you for your faithfulness in letting us see You at work in the public schools and for your continued answers to prayer.
Lord, please give Christian families the courage to trust You with their precious children and the eyes to see Your mighty hand at work.
In Christ’s Name, Amen
