Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1-5 HCSB
Reflection
In this back-to-school season, we are surrounded by celebrations of ‘firsts.’ We celebrate pictures from the first day of school with students decked out in new outfits, the first friend a child makes, and anticipate the growing excitement for the first concert, school play, or athletic competition of the new season.
As a Lift Up the Word to light up the sphere of education, we pray fervently for these joyful ‘firsts.’
We also need to pray over other ‘firsts’: such as the first time a student faces fear walking into a new classroom, the first time they fail an assignment, or the first time they experience frustration at their performance during an extracurricular activity.
As adults, it is easy to forget that young people are experiencing the emotions and challenges of life for the VERY first time. As they grow and mature, they experience new levels of anger, frustration, hurt, embarrassment, betrayal, or loneliness than they EVERY have before. When they go through these experiences, they have no past wisdom to draw on like adults do.
God created young minds to learn and grow at a rapid pace – their brains are building neural pathways during every first experience, laying the groundwork for the rest of their lives. In these formative years spent in education, young people are growing in their academic knowledge, and in their ability to be healthy in the spiritual, social, and emotional areas of their lives.
Children are always copying what they see around them. If a child sees angry outbursts and violence at home, they are more likely to have angry outbursts and act violently at school. When children see adults who respond to challenges with prayer and perseverance, they are more likely to do the same, and seek Christ on their own.
We must pray for children to have role models in their lives who model these scriptures from Romans – who face trials, tribulations, and challenges by relying on their faith in Christ, persevering and walking in righteousness. When young people experience these challenging ‘firsts’, they will look to the people around them to point the way forward, modeling their responses after what is demonstrated by adults and older peers.
Teachers, coaches, and other role models have impacts that last well beyond the years students are in their classrooms and on their teams, as they build up the foundation that these young people will stand on for a lifetime. Years after students leave school behind, they will have jobs even start families of their own… they will carry the lasting impacts of good role models with them.
They will remember when their coach told them to be honest with a referee making a tough call in a big game, rather than lie for their own gain. A tangible example of obediently following God’s commands and walking in righteousness.
They will remember their math teacher who stayed after school for a whole semester to tutor, re-teach, and never give up on a student, to see them from a failing grade to passing. An example of how God never gives up on us.
They will remember when their band director got angry after students didn’t properly care for their instruments but took a moment alone in his office to pray before calmly explaining the consequences to the class. An example of responding in an identity in Christ, rather than reacting out of strong emotion.
As students start school, let’s pray for good and godly role models who will demonstrate how to overcome challenges and trials with perseverance, character, and hope in Christ Jesus.
Think back to a teacher, coach, professor, or club sponsor whose example and impact you still remember, even years later. What did God teach you through that person? How has God used their example to grow you into who you are today?
Let’s take time in prayer, thanking God for our role models, and asking Him to bring positive influences into the lives of young people today.
Will you pray with me right now?
Lord, You are my Teacher, my Lord – I strive to walk in Your will and ways. Thank you for the godly peers and influencers that You placed in my life, teaching me and modeling to me how to walk with You, and live in righteousness. Lord, I pray for young people today, that You would give them a firm foundation in You. Bring godly and upright people into their lives to model how to walk in integrity, perseverance, and faithfulness. I pray that You would give wisdom to older adolescents who are making their first choices of who to listen to among their peers, and instructors – guide them in choosing people of Godly character to listen to and emulate. Give them discernment to know when to listen closely to wise instruction, and when to abstain from following others down paths of destruction. In every new situation and circumstance, teach these young people to seek You first. In Jesus name, amen.
Peace and blessings,
Amy Parks
Communications Director
