Revised 8/11/2023
By Doug Hutchcraft
The pools are empty. The cafeteria's full. And stores are selling pencils by the ton. Yep, it's already the start of a new school year
If you're like millions of other parents, you maybe worry a little more sending this generation of children to school or college. School seems a little meaner these days. Temptations rear their ugly head earlier and earlier. It can be a jungle out there!
Here are three promises from God's Word that I pray will bring you and your family peace as you start a new school year:
1) "I know Whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him" (1 Timothy 2:12). Put your son or daughter's name in that verse: "I am convinced that God will guard _________ whom I've entrusted to Him." Then pray that way!
2) "You gather the lambs in Your arms and carry them close to Your heart" (Isaiah 40:11). Sure there are more "wolves" out there than ever. Does that matter when we serve a Great Shepherd that loves and guards His sheep so passionately?
3) "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Now put your name in that verse! "God has not given _______ a spirit of fear...." God wants to do great things through the children that you've committed to Him. Remind yourself of that every day your children go out the door to school, or as they head off to college.
Don't look at this school year as something to endure. Look at it as an amazing opportunity for your children to "Let your light shine before [classmates], that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Encourage your child, teenager, or young adult to make a difference for Jesus among their friends, in their school, and on their campus. Now that's a make a difference year!