LEAven Blog
Encouragement for the Last Month
Martyrs did this. So did Abraham and Joseph from the Old Testament. Solomon and King Saul – not so much. To what are we referring? The idea of finishing strong.
Perhaps that is on your mind as many of us head to the last month to six weeks of our current school year. We fight the desire to “just be done” with the school year. Perhaps that one student or group of students that has really tested you seems more challenging than ever. And one’s physical stamina may be waning as we head to May. Finishing strong might feel like a dream at this point.
And yet, God calls us to run the full race, and He has graciously provided us with the full time with students under our care. We can see both from life and Scripture that finishing strong is difficult. Yet His Word encourages, empowers, and enriches us so that we might have what we need professionally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to run the race of this school year to its completion.
In His Word, God reminds us….
- “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
- “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
- “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
- “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
- “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
What do you need to finish this school year strong? This answer may vary by the person, but without God’s Word permeating one’s soul, we cannot completely fulfill our calling as educators. Read and study the passages shared above. Share them with others. Pray, plan, encourage colleagues, and embrace the time that God has graciously granted us with our students.
May God bless you with a strong finish to this academic year and bless you with a restful summer!
