June 30: Life Speaking

Ann Marie Roach
Ephesus SDA Church

 Theme: Blessing Instead of Cursing

Scripture: James 3:9-10

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."

In my very noble profession, I often find myself proud of the fact that I chose the same profession as Jesus. He, too, was a teacher. But when the reality of the job hits, especially the parts that require patience and grace, it’s easy to forget that Jesus also had to deal with some of the most stubborn, disobedient students. And he did it in the most loving, redemptive way.

One morning, as I was doing my usual business at work, a student jumped in front of me and shouted, “Ms. Roach, are you ready for me?!” I was not thinking about WWJD, What Would Jesus Do. Instead, I was taken aback. Honestly, I had been secretly praying all year that this student would not end up in my class. But as always, God knows what’s best.

That entire day, I grumbled and complained to anyone who would listen. But, of course, complaining changed nothing. Before summer break, I already knew that this child’s wish to be in my class had been granted. That summer, for the first time in my career, I wrote down the names of my incoming students. Instead of complaining, I asked others to join me in prayer. I tried to be intentional with God. Or at least, I thought I was.

The school year started with a bang—a real bang. Despite all my prayers, I didn’t see the results I was expecting, so I began to complain even more. I cursed with my words, forgetting the power they carried. It’s easy to forget that we, too, are students in Christ's classroom and just as disobedient at times. Yet, He continues to show us patience. When you ask God to reveal yourself to you, be prepared. Because he will show you, and he did in the words he sent directly to me, through my students, and the honesty of those around me.

Early in the year, I had to decide: to use Christ’s method of genuine, intentional love, combined with fasting, prayer, patience, and the conscious choice to speak blessings over these special lives I had been entrusted with.

Hebrews 10:36 reminds us: "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Some days are still difficult. Some days, I still give in to frustration, and yes, even cursing. But what a God we serve! There is truly none like Him. He has been renewing my mind, showing me how to see each student the way He sees them: as bruised reeds he will never break, and as smoldering wicks he will never snuff out.

God sent that spirited child into my care not just so I could teach but also so that I could be taught the very thing I’d been praying for: PATIENCE. And what a joy it has been! Our days together are sometimes tumultuous, but most have been far better than I could have imagined. He also sent the others to remind me that His love for me isn’t based on how good I am, but on HOW GOOD HE IS!

I remain, prayerful and hopeful, though I don’t always see the fruit I desire. I know that seeds of God’s love and what His power can accomplish are being planted and that blessings are replacing cursing, one minute at a time.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for being patient with us, even in our ignorance. Thank you for being willing to grow us as we seek to become who we ask our students to be. Today, I recommit the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to You. But most importantly, I commit to you, my children. Maybe someone here is struggling with frustration or even cursing instead of blessing. Help us, Lord, remember that You are patient, kind, and working in and through us.

In Jesus' name, Amen.