My New Years Resolution

I have never been much or new years resolutions. They are usually totally forgotten by February or March. So I never make them at all, except for this year. I have one new years resolution that is very important to me. That is not to give up on my dream of teaching Doctrinal truth as part of Victoria Baptist Bible College.

I have had a passion to teach deep spiritual truth in a way that is practical for some time. That dream comes from the wonderful story found in Nehemiah chapter eight. It refers to the spiritual rebuilding of Israel that came after the physical rebuilding of it's walls. The Jews had been scattered abroad and some had forgotten God's law while others had never heard it.

A scribe named Ezra took it upon himself to read, explain, and interpret God's word with the help of Levites God's word (Nehemiah 8:1-8). A great revival took place as a result of this practical teaching (Nehemiah 1:9-9:3). God through that story placed within my heart a passion to teach the truth of his word in a way that is practical, but also Biblical.

During the year of 2007 I attempted to realise that dream on a few different occasions. But God did not allow me to teach a class on campus. I was able to teach a class with what is referred to as the Church Based Theological Training Program. This is a mentorship program of the college that allows an individual to teach college level classes to one student or a small group. I greatly enjoyed teaching a young man named David a class with the CTT materials.

In mid October the college principal began talking to me about running the CTT program. This was an amazing opportunity because small groups that focus on lots of discussion fits great with my vision from Nehemiah. I worked with the principal to develop a presentation to share with churches about the CTT ministry. In November after the presentation was finished I was given control of that particular ministry.

After months of waiting I had what I wanted. You think that I would immediately give all of my energy to that opportunity. But instead I didn't try to advertise the ministry. In fact I have not had one opportunity to share my burden for the CTT program! This is not because I am worthless person who quits on things easily, because I am not. Instead I was a little bit discouraged about not being able to teach up until that time. After trying to teach twice and not being able to, I didn't want to fall short a third time in the same year.

With the new year that passion in my heart to teach has returned. On Thursday I began to spend an hour each day preparing lessons using the CTT material. I am doing this completely in Faith because there is not much interest in the colleges classes right now. At the same time I have a voice in my head that tells me it is pointless to try again. But I know that God does not want me to stop just because it is hard.

Please pray for me that I would be faithful to my dream for teaching. I am not asking for students, although that is a great desire of my heart. I am simply asking for the commitment to keep on trying even when it looks hopeless. For when I have developed that kind of commitment God will bring me students. Not because I want them, but because I deserve them.