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On Friday, we saw how God opened the doors for a Bible club in an elementary public school, and how by letting God be in charge, that Bible club went on to draw many to God's kingdom. Unfortunately, however, the principal who had allowed the bible club in the first place decided to take his retirement. Would his replacement be as open to the Bible club? Only time would tell.
As the end of my principal's final year approached, I felt an increasing anxiety in the students of the Bible club...And I'll admit, an increasing anxiety in myself as well! What if the new principal made us close our doors?
During the summer, however, I realized that I was trying to carry this concern myself, when it actually wasn't my concern at all. God began speaking to me through Psalms 112:6-7: "For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord." (ESV). I realized that if I truly trusted in the one I purported to trust, I wouldn't be worried about the new principal. God also helped me to remember that it wasn't "my" club at all, it was His. And His will would be done, no matter what. I surrendered the whole thing into His hands, and instead of wasting my time with worry, I began to pray that God would soften the new principal's heart towards the continuation of the Bible club.
The school year began, and I knew I would have to approach the new principal during the first week. After a lot of prayer, I made my way to the office, where I found him photocopying some files. I began to tell him about the Bible club – how it had been ongoing for a few years, and how it had made such a difference in the atmosphere of the school. Then I asked him for his permission for the club to continue.
He just stared at me blankly for a moment, like you want a Bible club in a public school? My worst fears were confirmed: This man wasn’t a Christian… Lord, I prayed, soften his heart!
"Give me a month," the principal stated at last. "I will talk to the school board legal office and see what they say."
Well, it wasn't a flat-out "no", and I felt that somehow victory was happening. Who is surprised to learn that the legal office saw no reason for the club to be discontinued! They simply stated that it must happen outside of regular school hours, and that each attending student must have a signed permission form from their parents stating that they could attend!
Jesus came through, as He always does.
Unfortunately, the principal never came to Bible club. Once, when my home church was offering a special service, I invited him to attend. He found some excuse to not go. He didn't realize how much he was missing, and we all committed him to prayer.
The Bible club continued to be a blessing to everyone at that school. Our former principal attended from time to time, as did former club members who had graduated and were now in high school. In all, it was obvious that no matter what plans the devil had for stopping the Bible club, God is greater. He can do ALL things.
The vital lesson I learned from this experience was that "I" don't "own" anything, and therefore, worry is not mine. No matter how high the stakes, I had to relinquish all of my concerns and worries to the lover of my soul, my God who can do all things according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (See Phil. 4:19) would come through. My job was to surrender and then to pray!
What problem are you wrestling with right now? Whatever it is, give it to the One who can do ALL things, then be prepared to sit back and watch for His miracles!
In His love,
Rob Chaffart
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