“You’ll never be what God has called you to be.”
Before I could apologize for what I said, the devil reminded me of my weaknesses. I knew my kids needed a strong teacher, but on this particular day, I’d had enough—enough of the disrespect and filthy language that came from the mouths of thirteen-year-olds. I walked out of my classroom and left them in their mess.
I ruminated over my mistake, then spoke with my mentor. “Out of the 120 kids you teach, only two got on your nerves. Those two got suspended, so why would you want to quit on so many of the other kids who need you?” She made sense. Perhaps too much sense.
In that moment, I understood what messing up felt like. I made the mistake of trying to fight my own battle, not realizing God is the one who rebukes the enemy for me. This verse in Zechariah reminded me: The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you!
I was chosen for a purpose—to stand in the gap for children who need a mentor who can lead them into their destiny. I understood my mess, the things I’ve said, and the commitments I’ve run from. God has sustained me and rebuked the enemy through the process. He has never quit on me.
Today could be the day you want to quit or give up. Satan tries to accuse and convict even the godliest people about their past failures. But God still stands in the gap and rebukes him for your sake.
I could’ve given up on my eighth graders. I could have left them in their maturation process, but that would have been hypocritical, knowing God has never left me. God knew from the beginning the struggles I would endure. He knew the struggles that would come with teaching a child, and He knew the path I would walk—long before I was born. Yet He still allowed me life.
Your being here is not a coincidence. God has a plan suited for your life to bring joy to others. Although you’ve fallen before, you can get up because a just person falls seven times but rises up again. Believe your life is wonderful. Allow the Lord to be your vindicator.
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Terrance Moore McCoy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religion and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg Virginia. He enjoys writing devotions, lesson expositions, and Christian fiction. He and his wife Marquita reside in Atlanta, Georgia, where they manage The Priesthood Company and Always Moore Ministries. You can visit his website at www.iamalwaysmoore.com or follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/always_moore where he writes and maintains his devotional series, “With God There’s Always Moore.”