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2 Timothy 4:16-17a – At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me. (KJV)
Many moons ago, I was employed as a substitute teacher at a nearby Christian daycare. The regular teacher needed to take some additional training classes, and I would be filling in the K-4 K-5 class until she returned.
I asked the administrator of the Christian daycare if I would be able to share with the class the story, The Tale of Three Trees, written by Angela Elwell Hunt, which, by the way, is a great story!
The administrator gave me permission to do so, and I shared the story with the class on a Friday. The children loved it. I was amazed at how intently they listened.
The following Monday when I came to work, the administrator wanted to see me. I was informed that one of the children, a little girl, had gone home and shared the story with her parents in great detail. Her dad, of a different faith, was very irate. He insisted that either I left or he was going to withdraw his daughter from the school.
The next day when I showed up once again for work, the administrator wanted to see me. I was thanked for the time that I was able to fill in, but was informed that the regular teacher was now back and therefore a substitute was no longer needed.
What a coincidence! I was terribly hurt and confused, but found such comfort in the apostle Paul's words, "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me."
As I left carrying my teaching materials, I prayed silently to God that the tears would wait until I at least got back to my car. My heart sank to think that the Christian daycare would forfeit Christian teaching in an attempt to retain tuition.
Rejection for the cause of Christ is something that you and I have probably faced many times. Scripture tells us to expect it and rejoice in it.
1 Peter 4:12-13a – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings. (KJV)
Praise God! What an awesome blessing and encouragement it is to know that the Lord stands right there with us. Oh! bless His holy name!
- Oh! Bless His Holy Name!
Amidst the battle raging
Like billows on the sea
My voice I'll lift in rhapsody
And sing sweet praise to Thee
I won't look on the right side
Nor will I glance to the left
But stay my eyes upon the "Rock"
And rest within its cleft
For even now, I know for sure
And loudly I'll proclaim
God is working everything for good
Oh! bless His holy name!
I'll take the taunts and painful jeers
That my accusers bring
I'll place them at the cross's foot
And continue on to sing
For even now, I know for sure
And loudly I'll proclaim
God works everything for good
Oh! bless His holy name!
Prayer: Lord, thank You that though there are times when we are abandoned by others for our Christian faith, You stand right there beside us. Oh! bless Your holy name! Amen.
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Thank you for sharing, Cheremiah. God bless you!
Thanks, Cheryl. Praise God for your actions in this situation.
And without the effort you had put in.
Saved by grace, not works.
Oh, the pain that truth should come with so much cost. Blessings.
Thank you for your faith, which is your strength and hope today, Cheryl. Blessings on your work.
Beautiful poem and testimony to stand firm. How sad for the children to be in a school that wears the name Christian yet hides His message.
Blessings on your day.
Hello my friend
Another great one for sure!!! It is amazing to know we have the King of Kings standing behind us as we share His love and glorify His name.
God bless.
Cheryl,
One of the Irish poets said, “When you speak the Truth, be sure to make people laugh,
otherwise, they will crucify you”
So, welcome to the club! And keep writing!
(Texas)
Hi Cheremiah,
“Many moons ago”, you wrote. And then I (we) think that that is only happening now. Obviously, it has gone on for ever as the Bible tells us in so many different places. Lovely poem, thank you for writing.
Blessings.
Dear Cheremiah,
Although near tears, you kept your focus on the “Rock.” Sad as these encounters of injustice to self, and to God, you are wise to know that what was meant for evil reasons, God used for good. The offence against Christ is always harder to bear when it comes within a Christian institution. Your poem so perfectly matches this story. Much appreciation.
I think you are amazing and I love that you shared your faith with those beautiful children – you never know what difference you make in another’s life. I pray that child you shared that story with will grow to want to know our Lord and Savior and be saved from the darkness of this world. And most of all I pray for you – that you will continue to flower and bloom for the Lord – you are AWESOME!!! Never forget that my beautiful friend! GOD BLESS YOU!!!!
Greetings Cheremiah,
Thank you for sharing this devotional and another of your beautiful poems. So sorry to hear the trial of life you had to face while serving as a substitute teacher. The Lord’s love and strength helps us through these life situations as we stand strong in faith for Him.
Blessings to you and enjoy a glorious day.
(B.C.)
Hi Cheryl:
What a Beautiful Devotion! It really spoke to my heart. Yes, even in today’s world, with so much sin and sadness, God is so good to us. So glad He gives His Angels charge over us, to keep us in all our ways.
Praise His Name.
I trust you will keep writing. God Bless You, my dear Sister in Christ.
(N.B., Canada)
Cheryl,
Thank you for your lovely devotional this morning. It brought to mind a day I was filling in at a school and a wee little girl asked me for a hug. I was just starting out and gave the child a hug. I got in real trouble for that as you are not allowed to hug children anymore. Can you believe that? It broke my heart. To keep my job, I was no longer allowed to hug children when they were in need of a hug. That was in the 90’s. One became very creative in giving children the attention they were needing.
Thanks for sharing Cheremiah. I am glad you got out of that daycare. You had asked permission to share the story and received it. Any adverse effects from sharing the story should have been borne by the administrator and not by you. You were the scapegoat. Such behaviour on the part of the administrator and or the daycare board shows a lack of ethics and your dismissal by such cowardly and unethical people probably saved you even more distress and heartache in the future if you had stayed.
Blessings.
Hello Cheryl,
Thanks for taking the time to write Oh, Bless His Holy Name daily devotional, a true-life experience that touched you in such a deep way.
Thank God that he provides scripture for us to go to in our time of hurt, yes it can even occur at a Christian School.
The devil goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he can destroy.
Thanks be to God that He watches over us just like he did the apostle Paul.
Know that we will triumph in the end. Stay true sister and God will rain down blessings upon you.
(Ontario, Canada)
Hi Cheremiah,
Thank you for sharing this experience. I’m sorry that you experienced such rejection, and l pray for a softening of heart of the father who complained. Praise God who makes all things beautiful!
Blessings.