Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtJosh Carson was no ordinary high school student. At 16, his favorite pastime wasn’t video games or hanging out at the mall; instead, he found solace in the pages of the Bible. Among all the biblical figures, King Hezekiah inspired him the most. Hezekiah’s bold leadership in inspiring Judah and Israel to rid their land of idols deeply resonated with Josh, and he aspired to emulate Hezekiah's courage and conviction in his own life.Riverwood High School was a melting pot of cultures and beliefs, a place where diversity was celebrated. However, with this diversity came a range of distractions and influences that often led students astray. Josh saw this as an opportunity to make a difference. He began organizing small prayer meetings, encouraging his classmates to focus on their faith and to strive for moral excellence. His enthusiasm was contagious, and soon, a small but dedicated group of students began to gather regularly.
Josh’s influence grew, and so did the number of students attending his meetings. He spoke passionately about the importance of integrity, kindness, and faith. His message was simple but powerful: they needed to rid their lives of any ‘idols’—anything that distracted them from their faith and values. It wasn’t long before the entire school began to notice the positive changes among the group of students who attended Josh's meetings.However, not everyone was pleased with Josh’s growing influence. Principal Donovan, an egotistical and powerful figure at Riverwood High, saw Josh’s meetings as a threat to his control. Donovan prided himself on maintaining a certain image for the school, and he believed that Josh’s religious gatherings were polarizing and inappropriate in an educational setting. He decided to take action.One Friday afternoon, Donovan called Josh into his office. "Josh, I’ve heard about your little prayer meetings," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "While I admire your enthusiasm, I’m afraid I can’t allow this to continue. This is a public school, and we must remain neutral on religious matters. If you don’t stop these meetings, there will be consequences. I will make sure that your academic record and future prospects are adversely affected."Josh felt a cold shiver run down his spine, but he remembered Hezekiah’s story. Hezekiah faced the formidable Sennacherib, and instead of succumbing to fear, he turned to God. Josh decided to do the same. He gathered his friends and classmates, shared with them the principal’s ultimatum, and suggested they pray for guidance and strength.The group of students prayed fervently, asking God for wisdom and courage. They prayed that the truth would prevail and that they would be allowed to continue their meetings without fear of retribution. Josh felt a profound sense of peace wash over him as they prayed together, confident that God would deliver them just as He delivered Hezekiah and Judah from their enemies.Over the weekend, an unexpected turn of events occurred. A prominent local pastor, who had heard about Josh’s meetings through his daughter, a student at Riverwood High, decided to take action. He reached out to the school board, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and Josh’s meetings' positive impact on the students. The pastor rallied support from the community, and soon, the school board was inundated with messages from parents and community leaders advocating for Josh and his group.When Principal Donovan received a call from the superintendent on Monday morning, he was taken aback. The superintendent informed him that the community's response had been overwhelmingly supportive of Josh’s efforts. "Donovan, it looks like we’ll need to rethink our approach," the superintendent said. "We cannot ignore the community's voice. Ensure that Josh and his group are not harassed or threatened. Their meetings can continue."Donovan bristled at the directive. "I don’t think you understand the situation," he retorted. "Allowing these meetings sets a dangerous precedent. I stand by my decision."The superintendent sighed, his voice firm. "Donovan, I’m giving you a direct order. Support these students, or there will be consequences."But Donovan’s ego wouldn’t allow him to back down. Defiant, he continued to obstruct Josh’s efforts, even doubling down on his threats. His actions soon caught up with him. Having witnessed his insubordination and the overwhelming community support for Josh, the school board decided to take decisive action.By the end of the week, Donovan was called into a meeting with the school board. His defiance and refusal to follow the superintendent’s directive led to his dismissal. The news spread quickly through the school, and many students and teachers were relieved to see him go.A few weeks later, the school welcomed a new principal, Mrs. Rachel Adams. Mrs. Adams was known for her strong Christian faith and her supportive nature. She met with Josh shortly after taking on her new role. "Josh, I’ve heard so much about you," she said warmly. "Your leadership and dedication are inspiring. I want you to know that you have my full support."With Mrs. Adams’ encouragement, Josh’s prayer meetings continued to flourish. The school saw a renewed sense of unity and purpose among the students. Much like Hezekiah's, Josh’s faith and determination led to a profound change, proving that with God’s help, even the greatest threats could be overcome. He became a beacon of hope and faith at Riverwood High School, reminding everyone that true leadership comes from integrity, courage, and unwavering faith.Sometimes, we face problems and difficult situations that can feel paralyzing. But it's good to learn from Hezekiah to live wholeheartedly for the Lord, and in those situations, fast and pray, leaning completely upon the Lord. It is God alone that can move mountains!
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
In His love,Pastor Tim Burt
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