LSEM > Devotions > “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” — A Devotion for Teachers

“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” — A Devotion for Teachers

  • April 30, 2026
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

In the daily rhythm of your classroom, you encounter a beautiful and holy truth: no two students are the same. Each learner brings a distinct set of strengths, challenges, personalities, and ways of seeing the world. For those of you who serve students with special needs, this truth is not abstract—it is lived out in every lesson, every moment of patience, every breakthrough, and even in the struggles.

Psalm 139 reminds us that this diversity is not accidental. It is intentional. Each student entrusted to your care has been knit together by God Himself. In our daily walk, we confess that God is the Creator of all, and that His creation is good—even in a world affected by sin. While we recognize the brokenness that can impact body and mind, we also boldly affirm that every person bears God’s image and is deeply loved by Him.

This means that the student who learns differently, communicates uniquely, or progresses more slowly is no less “wonderfully made.” In fact, through them, God often reveals His works in ways that challenge our assumptions and expand our understanding of grace. Their perseverance, joy, honesty, and trust can become living testimonies of God’s presence!

As teachers, your calling is not simply to instruct but to serve as instruments of God’s care. In your vocation, you reflect Christ’s love—patient, sacrificial, and deeply attentive to the individual. Martin Luther spoke of vocation as the means through which God cares for His creation. That includes you, in your classroom, meeting the needs of each child with compassion and purpose.

There may be days when progress feels slow or unseen. Yet God’s promise remains: His works are wonderful. Even when growth is measured in small steps, those steps matter. Even when the work is hard, it is holy.

And this verse is not only for your students — it is for you as well. You, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made. God has uniquely equipped you for this calling. Your patience, creativity, and perseverance are gifts from Him, given for the sake of the children you serve.

So today, take a moment to praise God—not only for what He has done in creation broadly, but for the specific, individual lives in your classroom. Praise Him for each student. Praise Him for their uniqueness. Praise Him for the privilege of walking alongside them.

For in each child, and in you, God’s wonderful works are on display.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating each of us uniquely and wonderfully. Help us to see Your handiwork in every student we serve. Give us patience, wisdom, and love as we carry out our calling. Remind us that our work matters because it reflects Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Devotion by Dr. Thomas Wrege, a military veteran, former school principal, national consultant, and currently the Executive Director for the Lutheran Education Association. As principal, he always looked to LSEM to provide teachers, resources, and counsel to ensure every child’s needs were met. He loves the mission and ministry of Lutheran Special Education Ministries — striving to reach every child with the love of Jesus and a promise of a relational and servant heart to support them.