Education

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“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen” (Jer. 29:11–12, TLB).

Sometimes God amazes us with how He reveals His plans. In 1978, I was almost finished with my Elementary Education major at Walla Walla College (Wash.). It was time to think about where I wanted to teach. My parents had moved back to California and wanted me to be closer to them, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to move there. With graduation looming on the horizon, I needed to start seriously thinking about teaching positions.

“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (Ps. 34:7, NKJV).

This verse is so powerful because it reminds us that God is always ready to deliver us, and that we have no reason to be afraid. In my personal experience, I found Psalms 34:7 to be true.

A few years ago, my house caught on fire. My family was at church when it happened, so luckily no one was injured. One of our friends, however, was living with us at the time. She stayed home that Sabbath to watch a couple of baby birds we had found the day before.

“But as for me, I will sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your faithfulness in the morning, for You have been my refuge and a place of refuge on the day of my distress” (Ps. 59:16, NASB).

This verse outlines the many problems, mountainous difficulties, troubling times and numerous enemies that were surrounding David on every side. David opened up his heart to the Lord, and his urgent prayer for help and deliverance poured forth unabated. This surrender of heart has also worked in my life.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and hope” (Jer. 29:11, ESV).

I like this Bible verse because it says God knows what will happen throughout your life, through all your troubles, hardships and times of despair. I think of these as wars between God and Satan, between your guardian angel and Satan’s demons.

But just as God knows the outcome of the whole universe, you choose the outcome of your battles; whether or not you’ll let something ruin your day or try to see the good that can come out of a bad situation. We’ve all had our times of trial. For some it may not have been as bad as others, but it’s up to you whether you choose to let the demons win or let God take command.