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For Such a Time as This

  • February 1, 2023
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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At faculty meetings these past years, it is uncanny how many times we as a team have discussed how we desire to reach each child – with the saving message of the Gospel, grow faith formation, and encourage every success. But most recently there has been an underlying pattern or theme of struggles from the teachers I serve with. It seems that in the world of education today, we have all taken note about how there are gaps in learning, more education plans in place, more frustrations with finding a track that will work solidly for many students, and then…perhaps not enough support to help ensure we are all doing our best on behalf of the child. At times, the answers we seek are just not there.

Lutheran Service Book #869 is both familiar and helpful in this context. The hymnwriter shares these beautiful and meaningful words with those who read or sing this hymn:

1 With the Lord begin your task;
Jesus will direct it.
For His aid and counsel ask;
Jesus will perfect it.
Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise,
And when day is ended,
In His name then close your eyes;
Be to Him commended.

In our Lutheran schools, we always begin our tasks with the Lord, from the start of the day till the end, inviting His presence into every conversation, decision, struggle, joy, and within our beings. Part of that prayer can be one of direction, for we as sinful human beings do not always have the answers. Our “ask” is done in Jesus’ name because we place our needs in His hands. Even within our humanness, we ask for peace that can only come from the Lord. Further, we look to Scripture for inspiration from the Holy Spirit. In this context, Colossians 3:23 (Amplified Bible) is helpful: “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men…” So, as we work both individually and collectively to reach every child in our care, our effort must be 100% and we need to remember that each student is a child of God – precious in His sight. Furthermore, in Ephesians 2:10 (New Living Translation), Paul continues to share inspiration with his words, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things.” You see, He already has these children in His hands. Through Him, we can know the context that not only are we his masterpieces, but our students are as well. What incredible motivation this is for educators, parents, and all who partner to provide successful outcomes for the children in our schools. With such a context in mind, the commitment to work together for plausible solutions takes on a profound sense of importance for all involved.

Lutheran Special Education Ministries has become a national, and even international, vehicle to provide the needed resources to support our teachers, classrooms, families, and communities. Just as Lutheran schools have seen tremendous needs increase, so has LSEM expanded its ministry base. In doing so – it has allowed our schools to serve God’s people more confidently – each considered a masterpiece. The hymnwriter in verse four tells of the Savior’s blessing as we do Kingdom work together. The outcome must be heaven. There can be no greater task than to bless children with the Gospel message and to support them in ways that they know that not only Jesus loves them, but their teachers do as well.

4 If your task be thus begun
With the Savior’s blessing,
Safely then your course will run,
Toward the promise pressing.
Good will follow ev’rywhere
While you here must wander;
You at last the joy will share
In the mansions yonder.

 

Devotion by Thomas Wrege, Principal at Zion Lutheran School in Georgetown, Texas. He currently has two LSEM teachers on staff. He loves the mission and ministry of LSEM and strives to reach every child with the love of Jesus and the promise of relational and servant hearts.