Renewal Through Stories of God's Faithfulness

Holly Mueller is hosting a Spiritual Journey Thursday on her blog.  Thank you Holly for reminding us focus on the spiritual life in addition to all the professional development that is happening for teachers online and in person. This week's topic about renewal is right on the spot!

By Holly Mueller

A couple of days ago I wrote a post about my friend Annika's visit. (You can read it here.) In the post I mentioned how we each saw God's faithfulness in our lives during the 21 years that we had not met in person. Let me now take the opportunity to share a bit more on how my spirit was renewed by Annika's visit:

This past school year turned out to be quite stressful. Towards the end of the school year I felt like I was literally running out of energy. On weekends I did not really want to do much. I was tired all the time. When Annika's arrival got closer, I was a little worried that I would not have energy to deal with the visit (that we had set up year ago). Annika was coming, however, and I just needed to get ready.

Then she arrived. I was still tired, but there was this new joy that gave me energy. Next Annika started telling stories about her life in the last 21 years. I was all ears! As Annika talked, I could see a pattern emerging: God's guidance and answers to prayers. Story after story I heard how God had guided her very specifically and how God had answered prayers. I began to feel a stirring in my spirit. Hope was starting build inside of me as well! Annika's stories were renewing my spirit!

Little by little, I could feel the stress of the school year leaving my shoulders. It also felt like God was whispering to me: "Did you hear that? I will answer prayers. I will guide. I will be with you." My spirit and my faith was being renewed! I was reminded of God's faithfulness, of his promises, and his love for me.

I am so grateful for friends who listen to God and follow His leading. Thanks to Annika, I am reaping the results of a renewed spirit.