Christine Goodsell’s blog
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
“There’s not enough time for….”
“I can’t believe how fast time is going!”
I think most of us have said something similar to one of these statements at least one time recently, right? I know I have.
July 10, 2018
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I remember getting my first planner when I was little. It was a Lisa Frank, pink/purple calendar that had a side panel for notes. I was so excited! At age eight, a girl doesn’t really write much in a planner except for the fun things—having a sleepover, going to a movie, and really just doodling because it’s fun. In third grade, there was very little planning I was required to do, but I always loved to organize, make lists, and make timelines for myself of when things would happen or get finished (all of which had lots of bright colors, stickers, and drawings). Making the big checkmark with my purple glitter pen was always fun and flipping the page to a new month or section of the planner was just as exhilarating.
James 1:12 “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised.”
As I approached my third year of teaching fifth grade, I knew it was going to be another year of adventure. As I rearranged some furniture in my classroom and put up new bulletin boards, I couldn’t help but smile. God had continuously blessed me with wonderful students, families, and memories that will last a lifetime. Each year presented its own challenges, but they were so little compared to the joy and laughter I experienced with my students and friends at work each day. Students came to know Christ. Bible class was indescribable. I fell in love with each group of students and kept falling in love with teaching.
Hearing the news of Grace University’s closing this morning brought similar emotions that came with the news of Dana’s closing seven years ago. A piece of my heart shattered as I tried to wrap my mind around it again. As a student, I had been devastated. For a few moments, I felt the sadness, confusion, and fear of the unknown that haunted me for a time as a student. As I looked at my students from my desk, I realized that without my school closing, I would not be sitting here as their teacher. I was immediately filled with hope and reminded that God’s plans sometimes are not our own.
2 Corinthians 5:1. “For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
One thing God has very clearly taught me these last six months is that He hears every prayer. He takes them seriously, never lightly. He’s reminded me that my prayers are powerful, even when I may view them as just another prayer. Sometimes I forget that He hears each one. Throughout these last six months, He has reminded me that our earthly bodies are so temporary. He’s reminded me that the cross is greater than my circumstances.
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