Message from Adam Olson, Physical Education Teacher

From the book of Exodus:
There are countless people and stories in the Bible involving strength and perseverance through God.  One such person was a man named Moses.  His story is amazing, so much in fact, that he is known in both the Christian and secular world for parting the Red Sea in order to let his people escape slavery from the Egyptians. 

What many people are unaware of, is the journey and the burdens that Moses bore throughout his trek to the Promised Land.  Even his most loyal followers questioned his leadership and therefore God's leadership.  The Jewish people's faith wavered at the slightest hint of adversity.  They complained, betrayed and even created false idols.

Moses himself never reached the Promised Land, but he delivered his people and remained faithful to The Lord.

The connection between teachers and Moses is strong.  In a world where we may feel alone, we must stand up and have an unwavering faith that we are living a Christ-like life.  In our own classrooms, we set the tone, handle discipline and undergo daily disputes.  Every day we are faced with trials that can make even the strongest of Christians waver.

We as adults (administrators, staff, teachers and coaches) are all expected to do the "right thing".  In today's world, the "right thing" is not always what lines up with what God wants us to do.  We feel pressured to let something slide because "it's not that big of a deal".

I'm sure that Moses was tempted to let things slide and even question God himself.  He was probably tempted to abandon his people (at least the "defiant and ungrateful" individuals) and continue on his journey himself.  By trimming the so called fat, his journey would be shorter and easier.  But Moses never wavered.  He saw to it that all Israelites would have opportunity to reach the Promised Land.  He had faith in God, even when all the people he led questioned him and complained about hunger, thirst or being lost, he had a servant's heart. 

In the same way, we must do this with our students.  Knowing that we are leading them to the Promised Land despite the obstacles we may face.  I am encouraged every day by my interactions with our students. 

As the school year winds down, I encourage you to lead like Moses led.  If he could do it for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for 40 years straight in the desert while fighting wars, we are more than capable of teaching on the current schedule.  We have a great faculty and administration here at Phoenix Christian capable of extraordinary faith!