Isaiah 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
 
    The year is almost over.  Battles and victories have been etched into your mental scrapbook of teacher experiences.  Have you praised God for those experiences--both the battles and the victories?  Did you gain valuable wisdom and insight through each one of them?  If not, perhaps you might want to make a list of the experiences  and review them in your quiet time this summer.  God can give you understanding, insight, and instructions as you wait before Him.  The Holy Spirit can use all of these experiences as stepping stones to an even better year next year.  Be honest with God and with yourself.  Allow the scriptures to be profitable for you as you receive doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction from God through your daily Bible reading (2 Timothy 3:16).

    This is the time to not allow yourself to become weary in well doing.  Many become exhausted toward the end of the school year--administrators, staff, teachers, students and parents.  Exhaustion can lead to quick tempers, thoughtless words and actions, and unkind, harsh, responses to those you serve.  Guard your heart and reputation with diligence.  In times like these, become determined to listen a lot and speak only after you have given thought to your words (James 1:19) .  Eat balanced meals, get plenty of rest, and pace yourself during this last stretch.  Make lists of things to be done. Take that list into your prayer chamber and ask God to guide you through the task of accomplishing each requirement.  You are invited to cast your care upon Him--Because He cares for you (I Peter 5:7). 

    The wonderful thing about God is that He gives a new beginning each day.  As you prepare your final lesson plans and end of year activities, don't forget to wait upon the Lord to renew your strength.  If you will, you can mount up with wings as eagles.  You can run and not be weary.  You can walk and not faint. Spiritual renewal is the key to finishing the race well.   

Dear God, You are my hiding place.  Teach me, Lord, to wait before you, to search your Word for instruction and guidance, and to rest in you as I walk the final mile of this year's teaching assignment. 

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                                       Copyright © 2002-2012 by Elderine Wyrick
                                                      Polishing the Apple

NOTE:  Educators, who wish to use these devotions or articles to train their staff and share with other teachers, have permission to do so as long as the copies include proper citation including my name, copyright date, and website address.  Written permission is required for official publication or use for profit. 

SUGGESTED CITATION:
Wyrick, Elderine (2002-2011). "Article/Devotion Title" in Polishing the Apple, www.teacherdevotion.com.

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