Trusting God in the Midst of Uncertainty
An Interview with Christian Educator April Reutter
“I’ve seen God do so many things beyond what I thought He was going to do that have given me a different perspective… If He brought me to another school, then I would look forward to the adventure of praying and seeing what God could do there.”
As I was praying this week, I felt the Lord impress upon me the importance of rest for educators. Given the chaos we are all living through, rest may be difficult to find this summer. And yet, if we don’t rest now, I suspect many of us will be facing burnout next year (if not already).
A recent post on our SavED by Grace blog really drove this home for me.
Jessica Cabeen writes: “The marathon we didn’t expect to run became so weighted down with fear, shame, guilt, and doubt that for some of us returning in the fall to start the race again seems insurmountable.” It will be insurmountable if we don’t rest.
Hebrews 4 reminds us that true rest comes through faith—the faith that lets us lay down our efforts at striving to make everything come out right and “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (v. 16).
There is a special 2nd grade teacher I know who embodies this spirit of trusting God and finding rest in Him. I got to sit down with her recently, and I am thrilled to share our conversation with you.
What I love about April Reutter is that she truly sees herself as “change in God’s pocket” that He can spend as He wishes.
As a result, she faithfully lives out Jesus’ command, “Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:31-33).
I believe that this is the secret of peace and rest for us in this time—to see our life purpose and our daily activities as belonging to Him and giving Him permission to direct us. As we do, He assumes the burden of our care, and we can lay down our worries.
I pray that all of us would grow in seeking first His kingdom, leaving “all these things” in His capable hands, and experiencing His rest.
If you would like prayer for this, just click the Prayer Request button below.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” -Matthew 11:28-20, The Message
Blessings,
David Schmus
Executive Director
Christian Educators Association International
Thanks for your inspired words. Its really what most people are needed and I belong to them! Thanks again!
What a blessing it was to hear the words of Ms. April Reutter. I met April some years ago campaigning for a brother in Christ that was running for city council. I enjoyed our conversation and walked away encouraged by her spirit and love for God. I now serve in the same school district. I look forward to reconnecting with her and working together for the glory of our God.
I just joined CEAI and I am looking forward to the many blessings ahead.