Please make sure your volume is turned up on your computer and that the pop out player(scroll all the way to the bottom of this blog) is playing , This Little Light of Mine...this song is for you.
The measure of your success is not in an EOG it is G-O-D!!!
For those who are not familiar with EOG, it is NC’s end of grade test. And although this post is dedicated to all of the administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, parents and students who have experienced this test and all that comes with it… the truths here can be applicable to any situation or circumstance that results in you being at the end of your rope…job loss,financial stress, health problems, marriage problems, etc…
I have been receiving reports of children that passed the NC EOG miraculously and I have danced and thanked Him. Some were kids that were told they would be retained if they didn’t pass. Praise be to God for those miracles!!!!!
I have also had some of you share stories of tears and fears concerning teachers and students who have worked so hard throughout the year, trying their best to pass, only to come up short.
That’s tough- but it is not the end of HIS- story.
There are definitely consequences from taking Jesus out of our public schools. There is no doubt.
But -do not think God is punishing your efforts to do His work. That is not how He operates!!!
There is HOPE…
Eph 3:20 Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope for.
1Ti 4:10 We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly of those who believe.
I want to encourage those of us who still work in the public domain. You are in HIS harvest field.
HE IS WITH YOU. HE HAS SENT YOU. HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. THAT IS HIS PROMISE NOT MINE!!!!
I was reminded today, that not only is God the God of the mountain tops-but He is also the God of the bottom.
Read Deuteronomy 33:27. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms….”
His arms are underneath you – even when you are at your lowest point.
His arms are underneath you!
After Jesus was resurrected- He gave us a command. Go and teach all nations… and then He gave you a promise. “I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” That means even in the public schools where He is not welcome. He has always done His best work where He has not been welcome. Think of Calvary!!!!!!
Have you loved them with His love? Have you been Jesus with skin on to your students this year. Have you planted kingdom seeds in their lives????
That is success the world doesn't know how to measure.
Little is much when God is in it!
Your worst day is loaded with benefits. Psalm 68:19. Pastor reminded us this morning of a couple in our church who were involved in a terrible car accident two years ago on the way to church that resulted in the death of their 16 year old son. Can you imagine? And yet Pastor said he looks up and sees their daughter now- singing in the choir- and he knows how they are able to go on… even on our worst days, He loads us with benefits...He is our strength...He is more than enough.
Jesus can supernaturally bless your children, your students. He is the same today as He was yesterday and that He will be tomorrow. He is alive in you! That is supernatural power at your disposal to be used for His glory. Don’t stand defeated. Speak victory over your circumstance, over your children, over His plans for their lives. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things NOT SEEN!!!!!!! You may not see their potential. The EOG may not show their potential- But I promise you who sees it- JESUS!!!!!!
Don’t let an EOG score determine their future- your God is bigger than that.
Now- this also needs to be a time for you to reflect- what could I do differently next year???
Ask Him.
I suggest you really get alone with Jesus- get in His word- spend some time listening. We are all, always being transformed. Be teachable. His way is always the best. There are always things to learn. Remember- He may tell you some things you don’t want to hear- but He always speaks in love- He will never cut you down- that is not Jesus speaking. Be careful who you listen to.
The good news is His mercy is great (Lamentations 3:22) and joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5)!!!! He can cover and restore what you can’t. (Joel 2:21, 25-26). He is made strong in your weakness (2 Cor 12:9)- so soak in Him and all His goodness.
Now that is good news…go shine His light!!!!!!!
