Message from Katie McNeely, High School Teacher

Peace Like a River

As a natural worry wart and control freak, I struggle with submitting to God.  I struggle with the concept of allowing someone else to control what I do and when I do it.  With this being said, God has made the concept of peace quite prevalent in my life.  

When I was in my teaching program, I started struggling with giving up control.  I was given the calling of being a teacher when I was 6 years old.  When I finally got into the teaching program, it was a dream come true and nothing was going to stop me.  God had other plans.  It took me 7 times to pass my California teacher’s test.  Even though I had felt this calling on my life, I felt like God was trying to give me a sign that I was no longer supposed to be a teacher.  This caused great confusion in my life and I was left feeling empty.  With support and advice from friends and family, I did not give up. The final time I took my test, I walked out knowing I had most likely failed the test.  It left me so discouraged.  I immediately started praying asking God to give me a sign for what He wants me to do and to allow me to trust Him.  After that prayer, I felt a peace and I decided it was time to give Him control.  The week I was supposed to find out if I passed my test, PC called me and asked me if I wanted a job.  I was so overwhelmed by joy and excitement at this clear sign God had given me.  2 days later, I had found out I passed my final test and was officially certified to teach. Once I gave up control, God was allowed to work. 

This is a lot like the Israelites.  So many times God asked for them to trust Him and He would guide them.  However, they did not want to listen to Him because they thought their own ways were better than God’s.  

Isaiah 48:17-18 is a clear example of the God yearning for the Israelites to listen. “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.  If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.

PC as a whole has had many tumultuous events this past year.  As a first year teacher, it has been overwhelming at times.  However, God has given me a complete peace about everything and I feel he has truly lead us through it all.  When we listen and wait for His voice, He will clearly direct His people.  It is when we chose our own way that we get lost in the chaos.