Teachers are problem-solvers.
Before the school day even begins, you may already be thinking about the student who needs a different approach, the lesson that isn’t working, the parent conversation coming later, the paperwork waiting on your desk, and everything else that needs an answer.
And sometimes, without realizing it, that same problem-solving posture follows us into our relationship with Jesus.
We pray—but then immediately begin figuring out how we’re going to make everything happen.
We ask God for wisdom—but keep mentally rehearsing every possible solution.
We say we’re trusting Him—but carry the weight as though everything ultimately depends on us.
What if there is another way?
God’s Assignment Comes With God’s Help
Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours.
That can sound mysterious, but it is also incredibly freeing.
You don’t have to possess God’s perspective before you trust God’s leadership.
He sees what you cannot.
He knows the student more completely than you do.
He knows what is happening beneath the behavior.
He knows what tomorrow holds.
And He has wisdom available that you cannot manufacture through another hour of thinking.
Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17 that believers would receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing God.
What if Christian educators actually expected Him to provide it?
Dependence Isn’t Passivity
Depending on Jesus doesn’t mean teachers stop preparing, planning, studying, or solving problems.
It changes where those things begin.
Instead of:
“How am I going to figure this out?”
try:
“Jesus, You gave me this assignment. How are WE doing this?”
Then listen.
Perhaps an idea comes to mind.
Maybe Scripture changes your perspective.
Perhaps you realize you need to ask someone for help.
Maybe the Holy Spirit highlights something about the student you hadn’t considered.
Or perhaps nothing changes immediately except the peace with which you take your next step.
Zechariah 4:6 reminds us:
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.”
The Christian life was never designed to be accomplished through self-reliance.
Neither was Kingdom teaching.
Rest Can Be a Weapon Against Self-Reliance
Rest doesn’t always mean stopping the work.
Sometimes rest means refusing to make yourself the source.
It sounds like:
I don’t have to know everything.
I don’t have to control every outcome.
I have access to God’s wisdom.
I can listen before I strive.
I can receive before I produce.
I can faithfully take the next step and trust God with what I cannot see.
Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength.
What if waiting on God isn’t keeping you from your work?
What if waiting on Him is part of how He empowers you for it?
A 30-Second Teach Connected Practice
The next time something happens at school and your brain immediately begins racing toward a solution, try this:
Stop.
Take one breath.
Turn your attention toward Jesus.
Then ask:
“Jesus, You gave me this assignment. How are WE doing this?”
Wait for a moment.
Listen.
Then faithfully respond to what is actually in front of you.
You don’t need the next ten steps.
You need connection with the One who does.
That’s what it can look like to Teach Connected.
Need a reset with Jesus?
My Teach Connected: A Back-to-School Devotional for Christian Educators is a free six-page resource designed to help you reconnect with Jesus and approach your school year with peace and purpose.
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Meta description: Christian teachers don’t have to solve every classroom challenge alone. Learn how dependence on Jesus, waiting on God, and listening for His wisdom can transform the way you teach.
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