What Is to Be Learned?

This week's devotion is authored by Pastor Tanner Wade.

“Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:3–7).

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

As we opened St. Paul’s 176th academic year this past week, we were reminded that no matter the challenges — whether new grades, construction, or the unknowns that lie ahead — we remain Confident in Christ. That is our school's theme this year, drawn from Hebrews 13:8, which calls us to trust in Jesus’ unchanging love and presence, even amidst life’s upheavals. This verse not only points to the storied history of God’s work through our church and school but also encapsulates our desires to continue expanding that work for generations to come.

One thing that struck me this past week during chapel was that this Confident in Christ message doesn’t only apply to the children adjusting to new classes or even a new school. No, all of us have this same reality. None of us truly knows all that God will teach us in our relationship with Him this coming year. Yet, even in the uncertainty of what lies ahead, we can be sure of one thing: the Lord will guide and walk with us through every challenge and lesson. His unchanging presence gives us the strength to face whatever may come our way — new opportunities for growth and moments that lead us into a deeper relationship with Him.

This is the life of a Christian: we are certain of our God, but uncertain as to what lies ahead. In other words, we don’t know how God will be discipling and disciplining us in the months to come. It was in that vein that I remembered the words from Hebrews 12 in the chapter just before our school’s theme verse for the year. Hebrews 12 teaches us that God’s discipline is not a punishment but a loving act of molding us as His children. Though discipline can be painful in the moment, it ultimately leads to spiritual growth and greater faith. God uses these moments to draw us closer to Him, building our character and trust in ways we might not especially enjoy or immediately understand. Just like a loving parent, our Heavenly Father disciplines us for our good, ensuring that each hardship we face serves to deepen our reliance on Him.

We must have an openness to the discipling and disciplining work God is doing in our lives — individually and collectively — even when it proves painful in the moment. As we face the unknown, we consider Him — Jesus Christ, who endured such hostility and whose ministry took unexpected turns. Only God knows the lessons He has prepared to teach us this year, and those lessons will draw us closer to Him. We go forward, placing our confidence in Christ, who never changes, and allowing Him to shape us according to His perfect will. He is our Anchor, our Rock, and our Good Teacher. Truly, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,

Most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,

Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,

Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;

Thy justice like mountains high soaring above

Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all life Thou givest—to both great and small—

In all life Thou livest, the true Life of all;

We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree

And wither and perish— but naught changes Thee.

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

LBS Hymn 802 • Stanzas 1–3

About Mindful Monday Devotions

In our season of celebration with Tell the Wonders He Has Done, we continue in our prayerful focus as we look to the months and years ahead with thanksgiving. Join us as we remain in God's strong Word each Monday morning.