A frightened, panicking student knocked at my door just one week into the semester! They’d read the syllabus and they were genuinely concerned! The requirements were rigid – the expectations high. The professor (which happened to be me) did not have a reputation for “being easy!” Their words were, “I don’t think I can do it! I’ll just drop the course!”
My response? “You can do it! If you want to succeed and are willing to work with me, I guarantee you can pull it off! I know your level of commitment from other courses you’ve taken. You’re a capable and careful student! I’m here to help you succeed! You can do it!”
And she did! She worked hard, followed the syllabus, asked a lot of questions, and I helped her as I promised! She got an “A” for the course (and she earned it)!
Thought of that as I read the following passage in my Bible this morning during “coffee with the Lord.” (I’ve added a few comments of my own in brackets)…
“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you [set you apart as His own] completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ [we’re taking His course – we’re His disciples – and the expectations are high!]. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it [Take heart – He is faithful – He keeps His promises! He is for us!, He will help us! He is God – the Almighty God – and with His help we can do this… blameless at Christ’s coming!] (from 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV with comments)
Whew! Think I’ll stay the course!
