He Knows the Desires of Our Hearts
Have you ever experienced answered prayers that weren’t even asked? Goals you may have had but felt were no longer within reach? As I notice these little (or big) miracles I recognize God’s hand in my life. I’m constantly reminded that He knows me better than I know myself.
Teaching the 9 to 11-year-old primary children in Sunday School has been an amazing experience. This year we’re studying the Old Testament which can be somewhat overwhelming to the youth (and adults), but these students know the stories and often identify the meanings behind the stories. At times I feel like they're teaching me.
Although I'm not a teacher by trade, I have been blessed with the opportunity to share the scriptures with young and eager learners. When I was a youth myself, I was inspired to become a teacher after reading The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson. My goal in life was to be a positive influence on underprivileged children. To that end, I attended college with the intention of majoring in Special Education. Unfortunately, my career aspirations were never met as my life was derailed by personal challenges and I eventually ended up with a degree and career in finance. At that time, I supplemented my life’s ambitions by volunteering in special-ed classrooms and foster organizations.
Twenty+ years later, my career in finance ended early with the onset of my disability. Life, however, continued to move forward. One Sunday morning I was sitting in Sunday School when a church leader asked if he could speak with me. He offered me a calling as a teacher in the Young Women's organization (12 to 18). Despite my trepidation as a person with no teaching experience and what I considered to be limited knowledge of the subject matter I agreed to accept the calling. As I sat there listening to my church leader explain the responsibilities to me, I pondered (actually was very excited) about the fact that my Heavenly Father knows me.
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart - Psalm 37:4.
I was given the opportunity to follow through with my life's desire. I wasn't necessarily working with underprivileged children, but I was responsible for teaching some of the most important lessons in a child's life. The Lord trusted me with conveying His principles to the young minds of the Kingdom. Even though I’d completely forgotten, and given up on, my goals to become a teacher my Father in Heaven hadn’t.
For sixteen years I’ve had the privilege of working with the primary and young women's organizations. Currently I teach the senior primary children and leave each class feeling exhilarated and spiritually uplifted. I am so grateful that my Father knows me and pours out blessings from heaven whenever I choose to look to him.
When have you noticed God’s hand in your life as He blesses you with your righteous desires?
