Reality Check

Thanks to Quinn for this morning's sermon. It has the wheels turning...There were many great points made but I came away dwelling on one in particular.

¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,  ¹³ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
¹⁴ Do ALL things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. ¹⁷ Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (Phil. 2:12-18 ESV with emphasis added)

As I'm home visiting, many people ask how the job is going and it is easy to respond with the negatives. This year has been hard with having no classroom and inadequate staff supports--not to mention the home situations that my kids have been dealing with. It is easy to get caught up when in the midst of it all. This is when the grumbling begins. I find myself saying that if the school doesn't give me teaching space and more sped teaching staff, I will not stay to teach there. Deep in my heart I know this isn't true. I'm deeply invested in the lives of my students and others in the community.

Paul is a wonderful leader as he sets the example for those who are finding it difficult to persevere in our current situations. Even as he was in prison and facing death, he was willing to be a martyr so that he could be a light to the world. He was committed to the point of death so that others would be encouraged and God's kindom would be glorified. Of course, our ultimate example to follow is Christ's as he humbled himself as a servant and obeyed God to the point of death on a cross.

Right now I believe I am obeying God's will for me by being where I am and doing what I do. However, the job is hard. My joy in these hard times comes through remembering God's sovereignty and His grace shown to me. This joy is what sets me apart. With God's grace in mind I am given perspective on life's trials and reminded that I am striving for God's glory to be seen by all. I pray that despite my sin, God's glory shines through me and that I remember the grace that has been shown to me. I pray that this grace humbles me into putting others first and doing it with a cheerful heart.