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A HELPFUL EXAMPLE – 09-22-2021

By September 22, 2021Daily Devotionals

A HELPFUL EXAMPLE
September 22, 2021

Prayer: Father, help us to be examples to our students just as Jesus is our example. Amen

Scriptures: For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. John 13:15-17 NAS

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 NAS

I was so excited to earn my Master’s Degree in Seminary in May 2012. It was a lot of hard work and long hours but so very rewarding. I love to learn, I love to study, and yes, my family thinks I am crazy, but I pray that I was a good example to my children. My son, Chandler, who was then in college, and my daughter, Emily, in high school, saw me get up early and stay up late. They watched me work through the weekend and say, “no” to many social invitations. They watched me sacrifice and even throughout hospital stays, chemo infusions, and doctor’s appointments with Chandler, I never asked for an extension for an assignment.

I felt like there were so many lessons that I needed to live out in order for them to realize the value of education and the discipline that it takes to be successful. Neither child will ever be able to say to me, “you don’t know how hard it is,” or “you don’t know what I am going through.” I did it first, and they know it was not easy.

My school journey often made me think of Jesus’ earthly life and the example He left for us to follow. I think about the love He gave, the patience He had, the teachings, and especially the sacrifice He made for all of us. He knew no sin, yet took my punishment so that I could know Him and grow in His example through sanctification until I “graduate” to heaven. He knows our struggles and our pain. He knows what it is like to have friends, to laugh and share, and to have them betray you. He knows what it feels like to be exhausted, rejected, tempted, and beaten. He also knows what it feels like to be loved, appreciated, welcomed, and exalted. What examples are you especially grateful for from Christ’s earthly life? We can never say to Him, “You don’t know what it is like…”

Copyright Kathy Branzell.  To connect with the author email [email protected]

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