Classroom Lessons of Hope

I finished up the school year substitute teaching for a junior high class last week.

Beforehand, as the time grew closer to that particular sub day I thought to myself, “what on earth was I thinking taking that sub job? School lets out for summer break two days later and those kids are gonna be filled with anticipation!”

Alas my too-late-to-back-out-now teaching day arrived. I made sure my most optimistic attitude wouldn’t be counted absent and I shot up a prayer for a sweet day to take place…

As kids gradually trickled in for the morning to begin I was surprised to be met with a classroom full of quiet, ready to learn kids!!!

What!?? What is this??!!

I was grateful and humbled because this certain grade can be a bit unruly. God was offering His blessing over my simple but genuine prayer request.

After a few classes had rotated through a new one came in…

Amongst them a group of three boys sat at a table in their assigned seats. They quietly talked among themselves which I allowed because they were keeping busy on schoolwork all the while and no one else in the classroom seemed bothered by it.

One of the boys in that group of three is charming but also has somewhat of a bully reputation. I could hear their conversation and it grew intriguing as he made a comment that sounded very far-out and supernatural. Without delay the other two boys (who happen to come from Christian homes) spoke up, kindly disagreeing with him, and channeled straight into their faith and backed up their beliefs by defending the Bible and poured into this misled kid with so much truth…it was seriously a beautiful blessing to witness!! God was glorified!!

Afterwards, because we live in small town USA and everyone knows everyone, I reached out to the mamas of those young evangelists. I wanted them to know of their son’s bold but patient and caring words to this boy and it in turn blessed both moms to get a glimpse of their son’s faith in action.

1 Peter 3:15 is such a good reminder for us to ‘always be ready to give a reason for the hope in us.’

Bible YouVersion photo

God can use any one of us at any moment, in the most unexpected of ways. Because of this we have so many opportunities to point others toward Jesus but we must be familiar with what we believe. We dig into the word with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn and grow. We come to love our God with a committed relationship and we speak to others sharing about His goodness. As we do so we fulfill our end to 1 Peter 3:15…just like those two boys did.

Our world is much like a classroom…just waiting for answers…let’s show and teach them Jesus.

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

27 thoughts on “Classroom Lessons of Hope”

    1. Ya it’s also really bad when I almost feel guilty for sharing good news—because I don’t want to seem inconsiderate or careless over the heartbreaking chaos elsewhere. Satan has such a way of messing with us.

      God bless those families and friends of the lives lost from the school in Texas..may we as a nation come together.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Missed you, too! Doing well, just very busy. We’ve decided to sell our house and move again, so I’m cleaning like a crazy person and packing and stressing and now I need a vacation. haha! I hope you’re doing well!! I’ve been keeping you in my prayers!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. What a glorious day you enjoyed–and that’s saying a lot for a day of substitute teaching! Those two boys are well on their way to being used by God in a powerful way. I know their parents were delighted to hear such good news about their sons. So thoughtful of you, Alicia, to share with them what you had witnessed.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. It was truly a blessing..the one boy’s grandma I saw at church on Sunday when I visited my mom’s church and I was able to share with her too…she was so grateful…love how a little encouragement can really grow and grow.

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  11. Thank you, Alicia, for sharing the divine beauty hiding within the ordinary life of your day, because you invited in the King. What a difference prayer makes too! And yourself you are a presence bearer for the King whom you serve. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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