Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations …  20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations …  20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…

                As a teen, I feared that God would call me to be a missionary to Africa where I would be forced to eat monkey meat and wormy rice.  In my twenties, as I grew closer to God, I committed my entire life to Him.  I told God that I would even go to Africa if that was His will for my life. Well, He didn’t send me to Africa—at least He hasn’t yet.

                I told this story to my Bible class using it as an illustration of committing your life completely to Christ. I explained how I became willing to do anything for Christ when I understood that He only does good in my life.  As I matured, I realized that doing God’s will would bring me the greatest contentment even if it meant going to Africa.  I explained to my students that they could trust God to direct their lives.

                A young teen attended my Bible classes from grades seven through twelve.  Her love for the Lord was obvious, and I knew that God had great plans for her life.  After her graduation, she entered Bible college and took several missionary trips overseas.  After one of her trips, she met with me to share the exciting things happening in her life.  She had visited several countries and taught about Jesus.  And then she said, “Mrs. Wyrick, remember how you said you were willing to go to Africa if God wanted you to go?  Well, you went to Africa.”  I looked at her puzzled.  “You went to Africa through me,” she explained. “I taught all the things you taught me in Bible class.  I could hear your words coming through me as I taught.  So, God really did send you to Africa!  I just went for you.” The truth of her statement astounded me. Luke 6:40 reminds us that a student   . . . who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

                It is your Great Commission.  You are to go into your world, your classrooms, and make disciples of your students.  Teach them to obey God’s truth and … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).   The things you plant into your student’s heart will sprout and bring a harvest in God’s timing.  Don’t ever be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:7-9).

Dear God, Thank you for the opportunity to teach children.  Keep me humble and near to you at all times so I can reflect your light.  May I follow you close enough that others will want to follow you too.