And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NAS
REFLECT
School begins this week in my district! Wow, it seems to have started earlier and earlier over the past few years. The “Back to School” section was set up at one of my local stores only a couple of weeks after school dismissed for the summer. Backpacks are filled with everything from bright crayons to laptops in this generation, and although much has changed, many things remain the same including some “supplies” everyone needs regardless of their age or grade.
Anxiety of the unknown, and hopefully some excitement, of the upcoming year fills the heads and homes of families starting a new school year.
Students wonder, “What will my teachers be like?” “Will I be successful?” “Will I have loyal, lasting friendships in this age of cancel culture and drama?”
These are just the tip of the iceberg of the thoughts running through their minds as they step into academics, athletics, the arts, clubs, multiple classrooms’ full of classmates, personalities, priorities, and more. Even the most well stocked locker overflowing with every school supply imaginable cannot meet the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of those who hear those school bells ring. Only God!
From pupils to principals, coaches to cafeteria workers, teachers to tech specialist, Satan’s favorite and oldest lie has been whispered in their ears, the lie of “LACK.”
Satan slithered into paradise in the Garden of Eden and quickly convinced Eve that God was holding out on her and her husband. Instead of looking around at all they had, all God had supplied in unimaginable perfectness and goodness, the lie of lack tempted Adam and Eve to trade in paradise for the one thing that God warned would being about death… and it did. From that day forward, the Bible and history reports story after story, life after life, of those who have not BELIEVED God and His promises of abundant life lavished; not lacking in anything we need to live the abounding life God has authored and prepared for us.
If you know anyone who works or learns in Education, in your family, among your friends, in your church, or your neighborhood, please pray for them throughout the school year, and encourage them by “supplying” Truth of God’s promises.
Young and old can pray and ask God for the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding they need, for courage to face new challenges, to be willing to learn and grow, to fight against temptation, to live out good character, to live out godly values, and to seek God to supply all their needs. Remind them of God’s faithfulness in past years, testify to His faithfulness in your life, send them Scriptures to strengthen them, and remind them you are praying with them and for them!
God has fearfully and wonderfully created them. God loves them more than they could ever know, and they should watch for Him to reveal His love every day.
This does not mean life will be without troubles and challenges; Jesus told us in this world we will have troubles but to “take heart,” to be courageous and strong mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually because we already walk in victory when we abide in Him. Difficulties should prompt us to draw nearer to Jesus, not push Him away.
The Bible tells us God is our “Sun and our Shield,” our direction and protection. The Bible says, “The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not lack.” Scripture says God supplies all we need for school and life from “His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Would you please pray with me right now?
Heavenly Father, Thank You that You promise to never leave us or forsake us. Your Word says that Your love is so deep, Your power is unfathomable, yet You clothe the lilies in splendor, care for every sparrow, and number the hairs on our head. Help us all to remember that You supply all our needs. Help us to not let the lie of lack take root in our minds; please help us to cast our cares on You because You care for us. Please draw us to You when we are weary or worry and wash these away with the Truth that You are our refuge and strength. Please give each of us opportunities and courage to be teachers and speak Your Truth into the lives of others as we continue to be Your students, Your disciples, and learn from You. Thank You that we never lack. In the Mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President | NDP Task Force
