Three Faith Decisions About Learning
INTRODUCTION
One area that has been severely disrupted by the pandemic is the field of education. Teachers, students, as well as parents have all been affected. Everyone needs to transition now to online learning. But without face-to-face interactions, people ask, “Can learning still happen?” Everyone is now stressed out about education because of technical challenges, distractions, time management issues, motivational concerns, and uncertainty about the future. How can we face and overcome these challenges?
THREE FAITH DECISIONS ABOUT LEARNING
- By faith, accept the *changes* and *adapt* (Isaiah 55:9) – It’s not easy to accept changes, especially in those areas where we are already used to doing something in a certain way. Take, for example, learning. Although online learning has been going on for quite some time now, even before the pandemic, students are now forced to learn in this way. It’s very challenging. We will not overcome these challenges unless we learn to accept changes and adapt to them by faith. (Pol Galang, Former Student and now Teacher)
- By faith, know your *limitations* and *prioritize* (Matt 6:33) – The concept of online learning created a lot of demands for all those involved. Teachers, students, as well as parents are now faced with various expectations. There is a temptation to not set limitations but to accept more and more opportunities with their corresponding responsibilities. This can easily lead to burnout and discouragement. We must learn to prioritize to overcome these challenges. (Fatima Lopena, Teacher and Parent of a Young Student)
- By faith, entrust the *future* to God and *persevere* (Isaiah 43:19) – The pandemic has introduced a lot of uncertainty, and many have felt unsure about their future. Will they make it in this new environment? Can they still learn and graduate? Can they find good-paying jobs in the end? Even though the future is uncertain, by faith Christians can learn to entrust the future to God and persevere until they overcome and succeed. (Veronica Agura, Currently Taking Her Masters Degree and also Teaching at the same time)
CONCLUSION
- Faith is the *most important lesson* we must *learn*.
- Regardless of the situation, believing and behaving by faith is the most important decision we must make.
- As you face the challenges of education in this new normal, ask yourself, “What can I do in this situation that is based on my faith in God’s presence, power, and purpose?”
DISCUSSION
- Why is faith important when we are facing stressful situations?
- What hinders us from trusting God during such situations?
- How would you apply “faith” in your current situation?