Here we are at the beginning of the final term for 2020. Retailers are already reminding us that Christmas is not far off, although not for the reasons we consider important!
There is much to do before we can relax to enjoy that season. The term will be busy and for many of our students, stressful. Some students are realizing that perhaps their efforts have been far from satisfactory. Many are struggling to understand the events of this year – fires, floods, COVID-19, personal issues. Our seniors have only a few weeks of classes before examinations. How do we encourage one another to face the difficulties in life?
I have been reading Overcomer by Dr David Jeremiah who pointed out (and why have I never noticed this myself?) that in Ephesians 6:10-18 which exhorts us to put on the armour of God to withstand the enemy, we are told to stand, not to actually fight. Jesus has of course already won the battle! The metaphor of the armour is helpful in reminding us of God’s plentiful provision for ‘standing strong’: His truth, our righteousness in Him, the encouragement of His peace, faith in His salvation and His Word which we can use against the enemy. The passage ends with the reminder to pray always.
Dr Jeremiah analyses David’s fight with Goliath pointing out various qualities in David’s life. He was not discouraged by others (David’s brothers sneered at him). David focused on previous victories such as the times where God had enabled him to kill bears and lions in order to give him confidence in God’s power to destroy Goliath. David ran towards the problem (Goliath) mindful that the reason for the fight was that God’s name was being mocked. The result in this story is that a mere youth overcame a giant. I would love for our students to have David’s overcoming spirit!
“ It is so very important to help our young people understand the importance of the lessons and applications of God’s Word for their own lives”
I used this Bible story yesterday in assembly to encourage our students to be overcomers. It is so very important to help our young people understand the importance of the lessons and applications of God’s Word for their own lives. We need to teach them the power of prayer. We need to encourage them to share their lives more openly with us.
Martin Hanscamp who recently went to be with the Lord spent much of his life in service to Christian education and was an influential member of our Christian Education National community. At his funeral his family mentioned a tradition they had where each member shared one good thing and one ‘other thing’ around supper in the evening. Developing this habit would encourage openness and provide opportunities to pray for each other.
Prayer is powerful. We can leave a mark on the world through prayer; we can influence the plans of those who seem powerful through prayer; we can stand on Jesus’ victories to see strongholds overcome. There are no limits to what we can pray for but do we pray? The truth is that there is nothing that God is not sovereign over! He sees us as His people, like sheep in His care (Psalm 95:7). If He is sovereign, why are we so downcast and disquieted (Psalm 43:5)?
Ineke Laning — Acting Principal