When we last visited our granddaughters, I observed a digital variation on the classic game of "connect-the-dots." Simple worksheets to pass the time have been transformed into captivating games in which children color numbers to reveal a hidden image. There are random numbers clustered all over the page, each number representing a color. As they worked, I watched how they occasionally paused to guess what the image would be. However, most of the time they simply kept coloring. Their past experience taught them that the image would eventually be unveiled as long as they kept going. I was truly amazed at how committed they were to staying the course, raising their hands in celebration when finished!
Being a Christian educator is a little like connecting the dots. We begin the process of educating, not sure where our efforts will take us or what might be the end result. Right now, it’s the beginning of the year, so everyone is excited, full of energy, and ready to tackle anything! However, as the year progresses, the anticipation may fade, especially if the results we hope for aren’t coming into view.
How can we maintain our joy for teaching the entire year? How can we persist toward excellence despite the ups and downs of a typical school year? I think I may have the answer. Providence. Providence isn’t something we talk much about in Christian circles, but it is the key to staying the course and fulfilling God’s call on our lives. However, the image God is creating for each of us will never be revealed if we don’t continue to connect the dots on our providential worksheet.
Let’s start by defining providence. There are many complicated definitions from which to choose, but simply stated, providence is God directing all things in the universe according to His purposes without negating our free will. In other words, God is always working behind the scenes, orchestrating every event, regardless of whether we recognize it or not. He can use our obedience, which He prefers, or our rebellion. It doesn’t matter to Him. There is nothing that comes our way that He is not aware of. Nothing.
You might be wondering how God’s sovereignty and providence intersect. Do you believe God is in control of all things? Do you believe God has the power and authority to rule the universe? If your answer is yes, then you believe in the sovereignty of God. Providence operates within God’s sovereignty and is the way in which He miraculously and mysteriously organizes our “connect-the-dot” image to ensure His sovereignty is ultimately on display.
Why is this so important for us to not only know but embrace? When we are cognizant that God is overseeing, guiding, and managing every single detail of what happens to us, we can enjoy connecting the dots, just like my granddaughters! We can approach our circumstances with great anticipation expecting God to make Himself known in ways we can only imagine.
I don’t want to imply we sit back and do nothing. We still have to connect the dots one act of obedience at a time. What might this look like?
When God sends an accolade, compliment, or reward, we give Him the glory, acknowledging God is the creator and giver of all things (Colossians 1:17; Acts 17:24-25).
When days drudge on and seem uneventful, we look for His activity knowing He is at work even though we may not recognize it (John 5:17).
When circumstances are challenging and a bit overwhelming, we respond with faith trusting He is creating a beautiful Kingdom image for us to color and eventually celebrate (Romans 8:28).
Many educators are take-charge individuals, and thank goodness for that! However, every educator understands there are many variables we cannot control (e.g., the home environments from which our students come, the standards we are responsible for teaching, the schedule we must maintain). If we fail to acknowledge and accept God's providential hand, we may easily become overwhelmed and frustrated by what we cannot control. When this happens, one of two things can occur. We may decide to take matters into our own hands, or we might walk away from the situation. In other words, we may try to create our own “connect-the-dots” worksheet or simply throw the worksheet in the trash. Both scenarios weaken our faith, robbing us of discovering God’s purposes and plan.
I also think there are times when we are moving forward, trying to connect the dots, but our need-to-know what God is up to causes us to pause. We become impatient, wanting the image to come into view sooner than later. I’m reminded of this verse in 1 Corinthians:
Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely (1 Corinthians 13:12).
We all know how the story ends. One day we will look back on our lives and realize that nothing happened by accident. You are who you are, what you are, and where you are because of the providential hand of God. As you approach a new school year, stay the course.
Keep praying.
Keep reading God’s word.
Keep taking steps of faith.
Keep listening to the Holy Spirit.
Keep obeying.
Keep connecting the dots.
Like my granddaughters, you too will be raising your hands to celebrate!
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned
about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God,
to those who are called according to His plan and purpose
(Romans 8:28 AMP).
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