THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT: Will You Be Part of It?

As a lifelong educator, I’ve often felt concerned about the future of education. With so much change, unrest, and uncertainty in the world of education today, it’s easy to wonder what lies ahead for our schools. However, recently the Lord gave me a deep sense of encouragement and peace.

At a book signing for Taking Jesus to School: The Fruit of the Spirit on Display, the town where I visited held a special night for educators. Many teachers came by my table, and we gave away free copies of the book. Among those with whom I visited were several young teachers who were within their first five years of teaching.

Caleb and Jackie

Their energy was contagious. They were joyful, excited, and passionate about their calling. One of them shared about having the opportunity to pray with a student. As I listened to his testimony, I couldn’t help but smile. In that moment, it was as if the Lord whispered to my heart, “Here is the future. I know exactly what I am doing by placing these young Christian educators in schools and in the lives of children.” God is raising up the next generation of Christian teachers to be salt and light in our classrooms. They are not alone, and their calling is just as sure as mine was when I began.

A Call to the Retired and Experienced

That same evening I also visited with many educators who had recently retired. Speaking with them, I couldn’t shake this thought: Your role is not finished. While the season of daily lesson planning and grading may be behind you, the call to invest in others remains. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). What was true in His day is still true today. The work is great, the challenges real, and young educators need the wisdom and encouragement of those who have walked before them.

Every year of experience you have—every success, every failure, every trial, and every victory—is not wasted. God never allows us to walk through anything without purpose. What He has taught you can become a source of encouragement for the next generation. So, instead of closing the book on education at retirement, what if you opened a new chapter? What if you gathered a few young teachers and walked with them through a resource, a book study, or even just shared coffee and prayer once a month? What if you saw yourself as a mentor, a supporter, and a waterer of the seeds God is planting in their lives?

Paul reminded Timothy, a young pastor, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). Who will help guard that deposit for the next generation of Christian educators if not those who have faithfully carried it before them?

The Invitation

Young educators, take heart. God has placed you in your classroom for such a time as this. You are not alone. He is with you, and others are cheering you on.

Retired and experienced educators, don’t waste the wisdom God has given you. Invest it. Share it. Pour into the next generation. Enjoy your travels, your hobbies, and your rest. However, I urge you to ask the Lord, “How can I give back to those coming behind me?”

The future of Christian education is bright because the Lord is faithful. The only question is, Will you be part of it?

---

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for raising up a new generation of teachers who love You and long to live out their faith in the classroom. Strengthen them with courage, joy, and perseverance.

I also pray for the experienced and retired educators. Remind them that their calling has not ended. Show them opportunities to invest in and encourage the next generation. May their wisdom, stories, and prayers become a rich blessing for young teachers.

Lord, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Send out laborers. Equip and unite us across generations to bring Your light into every school.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Need resources to support new teachers? https://www.victoriouseducator.com/resources

Need a great book to support educators? https://www.victoriouseducator.com/taking-jesus-to-school

Don't miss a blog. Subscribe at www.victoriouseducator.com