Ask and you shall receive!

Feeling isolated and alone in a public school, I pray Ephesians 6 every day before  work.  One morning, I prayed, "Lord, I know there are other Christians in this school.  Reveal them to me, so I can have fellowship and kindness, even here where we are hidden."

A few days later, while sitting in the lunch room, the kindergarten teacher, a bright fun, loving, happy woman, was telling a story.  She ended her story with a statement, "Well I am a Christian!  I understand!"

My ears perked up, and for a moment I just looked at her.  All I had to do was say thank you, lift up my thanks to the Lord, and know that I am not alone.

My sin bears hostility

It is now clear that another teacher at my school hates Christ.  It is also clear that she also dislikes me, partly by my own sinful fault.  I allowed my feelings to bleed out of my mouth on a few occasions, in frustration over my differences with this teacher.  Quickly, she heard that I had talked about her.  Although what she had heard was not entirely true, I did not fault her anger.  I had sinned through gossip, which quickly destroyed all hope of friendship between us.

This teacher has twice now reproached Christ in my presence.  Both times stinging my heart.  So instead of allowing anger into my heart, I asked that Christ place an angel in front of my mouth, to keep my words from falling out.

Christ promised us that "all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."  (2 Timothy 3:11.)  Although I don't feel persecuted, I feel the hostile place that is our public school.  I feel the hate towards my God. I fear speaking out for Christ.  Christ promised also that "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they gather around themselves teachers, having itching ears;" (2 Timothy 4:3).  I will not be one of their teachers, who teach their wicked ways to others and gather around justifying the evil.

So today, my simple prayer is this:

Christ, my Savior,
Be with me today and bless me as I teach your children.  Guard my mouth and my words.  Set an angel to guard them, so I won't sin against you with my words.  Let me be a beacon of love.  Let me reach out to those who dislike me.  Bless the teacher who reproaches you.  Awaken her soul that has become numb to Your glory.  You have placed me in a place of teaching and learning.  Help the other Christians in our school be known to me, so I can find fellowship.  And if there are none, help me to be strong and courageous.
Amen

Today is the first official day of my contracted school year.  No kiddos today, just Staff Development, or PD.  But as I prepare for the school year, I come across so many things that stand in direct opposition to the teachings of God.  I am a Christian teacher in a secular classroom.  I cannot pray in class, I cannot openly share my Christian faith, and most of my colleagues are either atheist, or believe something else, often only on Sunday, (or whatever day is convenient).  How am I supposed to work in a secular classroom and school and remain true to God's teaching and word?  My wise cousin reminded me about Ephesians.  This isn't a new issue.  Christians for centuries have been battling "the world" to remain true to God.  So I post this and read it before heading to work today, knowing that Christ as my Savior will protect me, and keep me quietly doing His work, in a very needy place... my classroom. 

Ephesians 6:11-20

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.