What if the interruption you didn’t choose becomes one of the places God reminds you most clearly who you are and how faithfully He is still leading?
Sometimes life changes direction without asking our permission.
The last few weeks have looked nothing like I expected. A running accident left me with a concussion, a broken elbow, and an injured wrist on my dominant hand. Suddenly, plans changed. Productivity slowed. I needed more help than I wanted, and rest became something I had to receive rather than something I conveniently scheduled.
And somewhere in the middle of all of that, Romans 8:28 started landing differently.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
I’ve quoted that verse many times. I’ve taught it. I’ve encouraged others with it.
But there is something different about having to trust it when the chapter you’re living isn’t one you would have chosen.
God Can Work Through the Parts We Would Have Skipped
Romans 8:28 doesn’t say that everything that happens to us is good.
It says God is able to work in all things for good.
That distinction matters.
The interruption may not be good.
The disappointment may not be good.
The closed door may not feel good.
The difficult school year may certainly not feel good.
But none of those things are beyond God’s ability to redeem.
He is still present.
He is still working.
And His purpose for your life has not disappeared because your plans changed.
That has been a needed reminder for me personally—and I think it’s an especially important one for Christian educators heading into a new school year.
Your New School Year May Not Look How You Imagined
Maybe you’re excited to return.
Maybe you’re already overwhelmed.
Maybe your assignment changed, your administrator changed, your class size grew, or you’re walking back into a situation you were really hoping God would change.
Maybe you’re wondering if you have enough energy for another year.
Before the pace picks up and the voices of pressure get louder, I want to encourage you to pay attention to what you’re agreeing with.
It’s easy to hear:
I’m already behind.
I don’t know if I can do this again.
I’m not prepared enough.
I should have everything figured out by now.
But what would happen if, instead of agreeing with fear and pressure, you intentionally agreed with what God says?
What Does God Say About You?
As educators, we spend an incredible amount of time speaking encouragement over other people.
We remind students that they can learn.
We tell them not to give up.
We help them see growth they can’t yet see in themselves.
But sometimes we forget that we need truth spoken over us too.
So before you walk into your classroom this year, try asking Jesus a simple question:
“What do You want me to remember about who I am today?”
Then make room to listen.
You may need to remember:
You are loved.
Nothing about your performance this year can increase or decrease the Father’s love for you.
You are chosen.
Your identity does not come from an evaluation, a title, or whether everyone understands your calling.
You are equipped.
God has not sent you into your assignment alone.
You are not alone.
The Holy Spirit is present in your classroom, your meetings, your conversations, and the moments when you don’t know what to do next.
You are partnering with Jesus today.
You do not have to carry the spiritual weight of your school on your shoulders. Your invitation is to abide, listen, and follow.
These aren’t empty affirmations.
They are reminders to bring our thinking back into agreement with Kingdom truth.
Purpose Isn’t the Same as a Perfect Plan
Sometimes we confuse purpose with a specific outcome.
We think, If God called me, surely this is how it will unfold.
But Scripture is filled with people whose calling remained steady while their circumstances changed dramatically.
Joseph had purpose in the pit, in prison, and in the palace.
David was anointed long before he became king.
Paul continued carrying the Gospel through open doors, closed doors, opposition, and imprisonment.
Their circumstances changed.
God’s faithfulness did not.
And neither did His ability to use their lives.
The same is true for us.
Your purpose as a Kingdom educator is bigger than one particular classroom, one school year, one position, or one set of plans.
Your first calling is to remain connected to Jesus and allow His life to flow through yours wherever He places you.
Walk Into This Year From His Presence
As a new school year begins, maybe the goal isn’t to walk in feeling completely prepared.
Maybe it’s to walk in aware of His presence.
Instead of asking, “Do I have everything I need?”
Ask:
“Jesus, what are You doing here, and how can I partner with You today?”
Instead of striving to control every outcome, practice listening.
Instead of carrying tomorrow before it arrives, receive grace for today.
And when plans inevitably shift—as plans tend to do—remember:
A changed plan does not mean a lost purpose.
God is still working.
God is still leading.
And God still wastes nothing.
A Prayer for the School Year Ahead
Jesus, as we step into another school year, help us agree with Your truth more than the voices of fear, pressure, or inadequacy. Remind us who we are in You. Give us eyes to see where You are already working and courage to partner with You there. When plans change, help us trust Your character. When we feel overwhelmed, draw us back into Your presence. And use our lives to carry Your love, peace, wisdom, and hope into every classroom and school You entrust to us. Amen.
Friend, whatever this next chapter holds, you do not have to have the entire year figured out today.
Stay close to Jesus.
Listen for His voice.
Take the next faithful step.
And remember:
God may change the plan, but He has not abandoned His purpose.