Is the Teacher in Your Classroom?

    Last night the Lord gave me a vision.  To my knowledge He has never done this before.   During a time of praise and worship with a small group of believers, I found myself reflecting on my relationship with God.  I saw myself as a student inside a classroom (tis the season, huh?).  Yet this was no ordinary classroom, and I was no ordinary student. 

    Sunshine from a large window on the right beamed into the classroom.  A cool, refreshing breeze gently circulated throughout the brightly lit room.  I saw a computer to my left, countless books adorning every wall, and models hanging from the ceiling. 

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    Learning stations brimmed with all the latest manipulatives and supplies from colorful cardstock, paper, markers, glue, scissors, calculators, instruments  ... you name it.  Whiteboards beckoned.   Everything seemed in order, abundant, and well-stocked.  The perfect learning atmosphere.

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    And I, the perfect student, was ready and willing.  All my papers were in order.  I felt excited, eager, and equipped for a new task.  I had an A+ attitude laced with a "pick-me" will.  There I was sitting on the edge of my seat, smiling, looking around, feeling delighted and accomplished, pencil in hand.  My attention was admittedly at deficit.  A mental Ping-Pong match, bouncing from one imagined plan and project to the next, waiting for direction.

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    My thoughts trailed to my teacher.  I knew my teacher was pleased with me and my A+ effort and achievement.  I was willing to do what he asked.  I was willing to work hard, at all hours, coffee mug steaming.   I would strive to complete each task, no matter how many tasks he might assign me.  I was determined.

   What was the look on his face, I wondered.  How did I know he was pleased?  Would he pat my back, smile sweetly at me, nod his head approvingly?
 
   Everything seemed so right, but something seemed to be missing.  I felt a bit unnerved, with a nagging feeling invading the scene and tapping on the door to my emotions.  After pondering this vision for at least 30 minutes, suddenly it hit me:  There was no teacher.   The teacher was not in the room.

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    I have a tendency to operate out of my own strength and stamina.  I am a Christian, yet unwittingly I tend to strive.  At the end of the day, I might find myself absolutely exhausted and overwhelmed.  Maybe you feel this way.  Who can stand amidst the demands, worries, fears, and concerns of this life?  Who can bear such a load?  None of us.  Yet why do we try?  

    The things I do each day are good, good things (serving, listening, praying, reading, studying, creating).  Yet, the sobering confession is this:  if the Teacher isn't in the room, why am I? 

We were not built to run this race alone.  We need God's Spirit, God's presence, God's triumph and love. 

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     Is the Teacher in your classroom?  Are you doing life your own way, by your own strength?
  
    Today, go find His classroom.  Kneel before Him and surrender to Him that good, productive load you've been hauling.    Enter in to His presence with thanksgiving and praise.  Set your heart to seek Him first.  Trust Him to guide you and lead you.  Be filled by His Spirit.  

    Let's learn to be seekers, not strivers, by nature.  Afterall, we serve an A+ king.  There is no other.   

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Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.

Psalm 89:15 NIV