If you have done much recruiting of teachers, you know the many hindrances that keep people from teaching — stress from busy lives, fear of the unknown, anxiety from getting out of one’s comfort zone, insecurity about being capable enough, etc. We can, and should, offer people assistance to free them up from their concerns and training to make them more competent, but there is something that supersedes all the help we can provide — God’s presence.
An awareness of God’s presence alleviates anxieties and fears and replaces it with joy, strength, and courage.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Ps. 16:11)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Josh. 1:9)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)
God’s presence provides the security and confidence we need to step out into the unknown or uncomfortable.
Think about God’s response to Moses’ resistance to being recruited.
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you.” (Ex. 3:11-12)
An awareness of God’s presence also helps us rise above the skepticism and criticism we might face as teachers and the temptation to put what people think, or other things, above God.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Heb. 13:5-6)
Certainly God’s presence is a teacher’s defense against any kind of hindrance within and without. Encourage prospective and current teachers with His promise to be with them always.
Teacher Training Resource: Called to Teach But Still Afraid Devotional