BACK TO SCHOOL …

There are many positive experiences I associate with these 3 words. The excitement of buying new shoes, getting the latest pencil case or cool pens, seeing friends again and knowing that there is a fresh year ahead full of possibilities. As a teacher I still have similar feelings. It’s a chance for a reset, a blank slate. It also means I get to make my annual trip to Paperchase to buy an outrageous amount of stationery. But going back to school can bring up other feelings too – anxiety and nervousness about the year ahead, worries about how I will come across to my colleagues and pupils, fears of failure.

For some of you, walking through that classroom door might fill you with dread. But think of it this way – this brand-new school year could be the one where you encounter the love of God like never before. This could be the year you start to see the plans he has for your life and discover the gifts and talents he has given you. This could be the year you get to tell your best friend about Jesus.

However, just as with New Year’s Resolutions, we can often start off with the best of intentions, yet things don’t always go to plan. Invariably I resolve to pray over my classroom at the start of every day but as soon as I get “too busy” it falls by the wayside. With so many demands on our time, how can we keep our gaze focused on Jesus? How can we avoid letting our worries, stress, difficulties, conflicts and grievances get in the way of who he has made us to be? Luckily the Bible has some handy advice.

 Read Scripture

“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.” 2 Timothy 3v16-17

 As a big fan of a lie in, reading the Bible in the morning is a struggle, I’m not going to lie. But it’s also no secret that during seasons where I have committed to some daily time with God’s word, invariably I feel more relaxed and equipped to deal with whatever the day throws at me. Through his word, God moulds us, guides us and strengthens us. He gives us a focus for the tasks ahead of us and a strong foundation to rely on.

Resist Temptation

“At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.” Hebrews 12v11

Let’s face it – no-one likes being told off or told what to do, right? Sometimes school can feel like one long telling off session. But God also encourages discipline. Resist the temptation to see God’s discipline as a punishment but rather as the training and guidance of a loving, responsible Father. His discipline is life-giving, and while the temptation might be to take the shortcut or the easy route, this verse tells us clearly that perseverance, unselfishness, and integrity bring endurance, peace and ultimately the purest kind of joy. 

 Remain Steadfast

“We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost. We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way.” Isaiah 53v6

Did you know that sheep are the most mentioned animal in the Bible? Jesus refers to his followers as his sheep on multiple occasions throughout the gospels and calls himself the Good Shepherd. Just as sheep can lose their way, it is easy and tempting to follow the wrong crowd or be distracted by unhealthy influences. Standing our ground and remaining firm in our faith requires courage and may bring us into conflict with others. It may even hurt our friendships. Jesus is clear that we should love one another but equally the Bible warns against being swayed by the world. If someone is trying to persuade you to compromise your faith and your integrity, remain steadfast. Let God’s love keep you in the light. 

Rely on God

“For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles,” Isaiah 40v30-31

 At every stage in life new obstacles, storms and battles will come your way. The good news is that when you walk into that classroom in the morning you are not alone. When we trust and rely on God, a whole new power and strength becomes available to us. It may not always get you an A in a test or win you a football match but through believing in God’s strength rather than your own weakness, God will equip you for disappointments and failures, as well as for victories. When you fall down, he will lift you up again. If you rely on his strength, you can do more than you ever thought possible.

Replicate God

“…fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. Put into practice what you learnt and received from me, both from my words and from my actions.” Philippians 4v8-9

Be kind. Be generous. Love others. More important than any grade, any trend, any friendship, any possession, is to do and act as we have been called to by our Heavenly Father. Don’t settle for anything less than what he has offered you. Let the love of Jesus shine through your eyes and watch for the amazing things that happen as a result.  

Have a great year – God bless. Katie Wyllie, Diamonds Core Team