By Dr. Carolyn Burhans
In her song, Overcomer, contemporary Christian vocalist Mandisa sings about the daily press and how things don’t always go the way we plan or desire. She reminds us that regardless of how down we feel or how weary we are, that we are not alone. How timely her words are for educators in the era of COVID-19 where learning curves and workplace stress are at an all time high! During discouraging times we sometimes need to recall biblical examples of people who overcame insurmountable challenges through reliance upon God. Here are a few to tickle your memory:
Joseph was left to die in a hole in the desert and later found by people who sold him into slavery; he eventually became the Prime Minister of a region of Egypt.
Esther and all the Jewish people in King Xerxes’ kingdom almost lost their lives until she bravely orchestrated a plan to save them.
Job lost everything, yet after an excruciating period, everything was returned to him double-fold.
Daniel was thrown into a den of lions and walked away unscathed.
Mary learned as a young teen that she was pregnant while not married, yet was chosen to birth the Savior of the world.
There are more examples of courageous people recorded in the Bible; perhaps you have some favorites that bring you encouragement. Maybe it will be helpful to re-read those stories and draw inspiration from them. The most important thing to remember is that God loves you and will never leave nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Are you not in a good place right now? Feeling overwhelmed? Having trouble finding joy? Hold onto this thought: Trying times come and go and are often followed by blessings. Recall those biblical examples. Don’t let current circumstances define your life. Hang onto God’s promises. Emerge victoriously from the rubble!
The chorus of that Mandisa song really puts things into perspective as she sings about remaining in the fight and relying on God to grip you with grace. You might want to add Overcomer to your playlist or watch the YouTube video or write down the lyrics and tape them to your mirror. Give yourself a daily shot of positivity and before long, the lyrics to that song will resound in your mind and drown out those other distracting thoughts.
Take good care, educator friends; God is using you mightily. Draw your strength, peace and perseverance from Him.