I Challenge you

“Do you mean that? Are you going to pray for her? I do not condone lying, even on benevolent grounds, Ms. Cass. Commit to praying for her or create another get well card for this assignment, please.” My 5th grade teacher and fellow Christian held my gaze steadily as she said more quietly, “For you, this isn’t a grade in penmanship for our substitute teacher, Mrs. Knight and her recovery from a car accident, Sister. It’s for Jesus. Do not lie to her just because it’s something nice you’ve always heard Christians say.”

I remember being taken aback and shocked at my teacher’s words. She wasn’t scolding me—she was challenging me! What I remember most, though, was the bewilderment in my heart realizing my promise to pray would’ve been a lie if Miss Dikes hadn’t pushed me to act on my faith rather than settle for a quick platitude.

Throughout Mrs. Knight’s recovery, the class received weekly updates about her progress. I prayed for her often, wanting to train my mind to act on any promises to pray for someone. Miss Dikes never checked in with me during that season, but once we received word Mrs. Knight was released from the hospital, Miss Dikes approached me and simply asked what Jesus had taught me that year in her class.

“Prayer takes effort,” I said. “And I’m held accountable for my promises to support someone who needs me.”

Miss Dikes only challenged my actions once, but the Holy Spirit used her words to impact my heart and change my perspective completely. Sometimes, our biggest role to a new believer isn’t to fill their minds with theology and rhetoric. Sometimes all God calls us to do is challenge them to strive for Jesus in a different way, and the Holy Spirit does the rest of the work in their hearts.

Who can you bless with a challenge today?