Principal's Ponderings

Faith Over Fear

At our school we are blessed to witness the incredible growth of our students, not just academically but also in character, faith and resilience. Life is full of uncertainties and as parents we long to shelter our children from fear, but we also know that true strength is found not in avoiding challenges but in standing firm in faith, trusting that God’s plans are good.

This lesson became deeply personal for our family. Near the very end of 2021, one of my own children designed a 'Faith Over Fear' logo for a T-shirt. It was a simple yet profound statement of trust in Jesus. We all loved it so much and I remember we proudly took a family photo in our matching shirts. 

I reflect back to this time, as then we were unaware that the next six months would test our faith in ways we never expected. In a season of trials and loss, we were forced to choose: would we allow fear to take hold, or would we cling to the promises of God?

Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, but as believers, we are called to a greater confidence. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us:

'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'

This verse became an anchor for us. There were moments of deep grief and worry, but we chose to believe that God was in control. Corrie ten Boom once said, 'Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.'

As parents, we cannot promise our children a life without hardship. But we can teach them to trust the One who holds their future.

• We model prayer, bringing our fears to God and inviting our children to do the same.

• We speak truth, reminding them that their security is in Christ, not in perfect circumstances.

• We declare hope, that even in the hardest times, Jesus is Lord of all, JILOA. 

When we wore those Faith Over Fear shirts, we did not realise we were stepping into a testimony but through the storm, we stood firm, knowing that God’s love never fails.

Parenting is a journey of faith. Some days are joyful; others are heavy with worry. But we can take heart in John 16:33, ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’

No matter what lies ahead, we can trust Jesus is Lord of all.

Shalom,

Chad Smit