HOPE: Not Simply Hoping for Something Better
(Pilate) entered his headquarter again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?”
Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” John 19: 8-12
I lean on these bible verses when I am facing difficult times in my own life. I remember that God walked with Jesus from crucifixion through resurrection. I know God will take my hand and walk me through to my resolution. I have hope beyond hope. One particular time stands out for me during my teaching career.
I decided to transfer to a new school and grade level after being in the same elementary school for 22 years. I felt a change was needed to inspire growth in my professional life. I accepted a position as a kindergarten teacher in an innercity school. Every day was an extreme challenge and some days I actually considered leaving the field of education. I was like a salmon swimming upstream from the moment I walked into the building in the morning until the time I got home at night. I began to pray for help. I prayed before I left in the morning and all during the day I asked God to guide me. He was by my side until the end of the academic year.
In the Spring, I started to look for openings at other buildings and at higher grade levels. I had six interviews and six rejections. I remember the moment I gave it all up to God praying, “Lord, if you want me to stay in this position then please give me the strength to do so. If you have another place for me to be, then Thy will be done.” I had hope beyond hope that God would carry me through. He would either give me the support to continue in this same setting or place me where he wanted me to continue his work.
An opening in the middle grades at another school was posted. I sent my cover letter and resume off to the principal of that building and was granted an interview. I was immediately aware of how “at home” I felt there and how my philosophy of education so closely matched that of the administration. Human Resources called me the next day and offered me the position for which I quickly accepted. It was an incredible place to teach, a perfect fit for me. It was my teaching heaven. God walked with me through one of my most troubling times. He also gave me a year of my greatest growth as an educator. He was always there with me. Hope beyond hope.
Dear God, Thank you for walking with us through the worst of times in our lives as well as rejoicing with us during our triumphs. Knowing you are always by our side is our hope beyond hope! In Jesus’ Name be praised, Amen.
This devotion is written by Deb Coyle.
If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Amy Wagner.
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