God Can Use YOU!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

4 years, 7 extended day-to-day substituting assignments, 1 long-term substituting assignment, 1 add-on certificate, and 1 time of almost changing career paths. That's how long it took for me to finally get a contracted position in the district from which I graduated. My "dream" job in my former elementary school working for my former second grade teacher who was now the principal.

All my dedication and hard work had paid off. God had answered my prayers and provided me a better job than I could've ever imagined for myself. The blood, sweat, and literal tears had been worth it in the end.

Hindsight is 20/20

If I had known then what I know now, I would not have fought so hard for my "dream" job that turned out to be more of a nightmare. At the same time, I wouldn't trade my experiences teaching in public school for anything. I learned so much about myself, my beliefs, and God's love for me.

Let me explain...

When I entered the world of teaching in a public school, I believed in God but didn't necessarily rely on Him to guide my life. I knew that, as a public school teacher, I would not be able to share my faith with my students but I could show God's love in the way I treated them and loved them. As I grew in my faith, this was harder to do but kiddos in public school needed to experience God in subtle ways, too, through the adults in their life so I persevered.

Not long after receiving my contracted teaching position, I experienced a crash course in the politics and shortcomings of public school. The first year in my contracted position started with negotiations between the school board and teacher union...and let's just say things weren't pretty. The teachers wanted higher pay and better benefits and the school board wanted to make cuts. We, as teachers, did not feel supported or appreciated by the school board and administration so the best way to feel that support was through finances.

There was talk of a strike and teachers were not staying a moment past their contracted hours even if there were still students waiting to be dismissed. As a non-tenured teacher, I was caught in the middle. I didn't necessarily support the union in everything they stood for but I was a member because I was told that if I were to be involved in an legal action as a nonmember, I would not be supported by the district no matter my innocence. Since I was non-tenured at this point, there were some things I could participate in to support the union while other things would cost me my job.

Looking back now, it is clear that the administration and school board were not being hurt by these decisions, the students were. The whole negotiation was a selfish plea being made by the teachers because the only thing they were fighting for that would benefit the students was smaller class sizes...25+ students per class with no cap is simply unacceptable! Honestly, the whole public school system is a selfish act of indoctrinating students to believe what the government wants them to believe and become little robots that don't think for themselves so they won't question the government...but I digress.

After months of negotiations, there was an agreement and life continued as normal...until March 2020. Schools shut down...heck, the world shut down...and fear set in. I felt like I could no longer relate to my coworkers because they were choosing fear while I was choosing to trust God. My faith deepened exponentially during the months of COVID while most of the people around me were questioning their faith and turning from God.

COVID was the beginning of the end for my time in public school. I quickly began to realize that my morals and values were so drastically different from the lack there of in my workplace that the two couldn't coincide anymore...something had to give and it wasn't going to be my faith. Standing up for my beliefs allowed me to see my workplace for its true self...the toxicity that was caused by gossip, slander, manipulation, and so much more was no longer hidden from me.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” - Proverbs 16:3

I began to pray for clarity and God provided. It became clear to me that I could not work in a place that fought for things that went directly against my faith...especially when they started to silence me for my beliefs. We wanted to start a family but how could I explain to my children that I worked for an organization that was completely against our faith? How could I justify working for an organization that was inducing fear into students so they could be controlled? How could I teach children about gay rights when I know sexual immorality to be a sin? How could I truly love people if I was being forced to encourage them to sin, therefore condemning them to eternity in hell? The answer...I couldn't!

I needed to get out...and fast! I began applying to teaching jobs in private Christian schools that held my same morals and values, pursuing Truth and God. It didn't take long for God to open the door to a new beginning...a true dream job!

When I left my former elementary school on my last day of teaching in public school I expected to feel sadness. Instead I felt pure joy! A joy I had been lacking for years. A joy that can only come from God.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” - Romans 12:2

My decision to leave my job in the public school was not an easy one. I wrestled with the decision for weeks. How could I give up a nice paycheck and great benefits when we were saving for a family? Why would I want to give up the pension I would receive upon retirement just because I didn't like where I was working?

Then I realized, the desires of this world were asking me these questions. I was choosing to believe what the world says about success and comfort instead of finding my hope in God. I needed to trust Him and know that His plans were greater than I could ever imagine. Money does not bring peace. Let me say that again...money does not bring peace. True peace can only be found in God!

People questioned my decision to leave public school. Some were more verbal about it while others silently judged. They worried about job stability and pay. They questioned why I thought I was better than them and wanted something different. People didn't understand but they didn't need to understand. God was calling me to something bigger. He was calling me to stand up for my faith and stand firm in Him.

In my short time teaching in a private school I have learned so much. I have grown deeper in my relationship with God. I have realized that money does not bring peace and it definitely doesn't show true appreciation. I learned to value people more and put their needs above my own. I have rediscovered the joy of teaching. I have found people to love and support me not only in my job but in my life.

Without my experiences teaching in the public school system I would not have the same appreciation for what I have now. God used my time in public school to develop my faith and teach me to rely on Him. He knew that if I had never gotten that contracted position I would have spent my life wondering what if?

"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." - Psalm 34:14

The enemy wants to silence God. Nothing ruins Satan's day more than God winning! Let's ruin Satan's day every day by pursuing God. Turn from the evil of this world and do good.

God can use you! Yes, you!

Don't let this world silence you! As a follower of Jesus, you know the Truth. That Truth will set you free and will set those around you free as well. Stand up for what you believe in no matter who stands against you. It is hard but it is worth it.

While many people questioned my decision to leave a cushy job in the public school, there were many more who encouraged me and applauded me along the way. The doubters are often way louder, but if you listen closely, the applause will drown out the doubt.

How is God calling you to step out in faith today?