Prep School

Over a month ago, I wrote about “mama’s school of learning.” And, by the way, that is going very well. The boys, particularly Derek, are finding some of the spiritual books very fascinating. This in turn prompts great dialogue and probing into issues that continue to build that foundation they both so desperately need.

Well, I was churning through a few issues this past week about various things – a conversation that did not sit well with me, a path that seemed like God’s leading and then no movement, and an internal character issue that I can’t overcome. I battle and struggle and wonder why I can’t get past some of these things with grace and joy. That’s the way I’m supposed to live, right?

When those little daily trials come along, I’m supposed to live out my faith in how I respond to them. When I struggle in the snare, then I’ve taken the bait. So, I do what always works – I go to Jesus even more. I throw myself into His Word and soften my heart to be attentive to whatever He has to say to me. And He spoke.

He told me that I’m in “Papa’s school of learning.” He has stuff He wants to teach me and they only come in the little moments of each day. If I can’t respond to them properly, then why would He enlarge my territory to advance His Kingdom? Very simply, He won’t.

In Jeremiah 18, He reminded me that I’m clay in the hands of the Potter. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand…” (v 6) And then later that same day, He spoke to me through the story of Joshua. Joshua had no idea when he was asked to go check out the Promised Land and he stood firm by his convictions that it was possible to overcome, that 40 years later the mantel would be passed to him. It would be he who actually leads God’s people across the river to conquer the land God promised. God was teaching him. God was molding him. But he didn’t know. He just responded.

So must I. I look forward to Papa’s school – His prep school – that is teaching me how to be better equipped to carry His message. I’m so thankful for the wisdom He shows me and the grace He offers daily.