“I don’t think I can face another day of it!” Kylie said, her voice almost breaking. “He knows just how to ask the questions I can’t answer. And when I do answer, he shoots my statements full of holes. Sometimes I wish I had never signed up for this class in Bible literature!”
Layla sighed sympathetically. “I know it’s been a rough go for you, Kylie. Mr. Joelsted has the reputation of being a difficult teacher, but I’ve always heard that he really knows his stuff.”
“Oh, he knows the Bible all right. That’s what makes it so difficult! When he questions me on what I believe and why, he wants to know just which Scriptures back up my beliefs. And if I don’t have them right on the tip of my tongue, he’s got a Scripture that seems to say something different. I’ve prayed that God would help me say the right thing, but lots of times I feel like I just don’t know how to answer him.”
Layla looked out over the bleachers where the girls were sitting, eating their lunches. “Why do you think he’s picking on you, Kylie? Does he ask the other kids in your class the same kinds of questions?”
Kylie brushed the crumbs from her lap and stuffed her napkin into her lunch sack before answering. Finally she responded, “Layla, I really don’t think he’s trying to pick on me. He doesn’t do it in a mean way . . . more like he’s just curious. I think he asks me questions because he honestly wants to know how I will respond. And when he gives a Scripture that seems to present an opposing thought, I think he really wants to know how I explain that.” She sighed. “I guess the problem is really me. I wish I knew more. I wish I had the answers so I could explain what I believe.”
Layla swallowed her last bite of cookie. “Well, one good thing, there are only a few weeks of school left. Just hang in there, Kylie.”
“Oh, I suppose I will . . .”
The next couple of weeks went by, and Kylie faced each session of her Bible literature class with apprehension. She prayed every morning that God would give her the right words, and sometimes she thought that the strength He gave was the only reason she was able to keep on going to the class.
On the last day before finals, Kylie found out that her prayers really had been answered.
Mr. Joelsted began his lecture that morning by summarizing the chapters they had studied in 1 Kings about Solomon and his wisdom. In concluding his remarks, he commented that Solomon had asked God for wisdom and had obviously received it. Then he asked, “Do any of you believe that God still could and would give wisdom to those who ask for it as Solomon did?”
For a moment there was silence in the classroom. Then Kylie raised her hand. “Yes, I do believe that He would, Mr. Joelsted.”
“Will you please explain this to the class, Kylie?” Mr. Joelsted asked. “Do you know anyone who has had their IQ increased because they prayed about it?”
“God may not come down and put the solution to every algebra equation in my mind, or give me a complete understanding of my biology textbook. But when I pray, He does help me and guide me in making decisions and choices. He shows me what I should say and do. I believe true wisdom is learning to lean on God.”
Mr. Joelsted looked at her thoughtfully. “That’s an interesting point, Kylie.” He paused for a moment and then added, “Would you mind staying after class for a few minutes? I’d like to discuss this with you a little further.”
When the bell rang, Kylie sat quietly at her desk as her classmates gathered up their books and went out into the hall. Then she walked up to Mr. Joelsted’s desk, her heart thumping. What was he going to say?
He seemed intent on the papers at his desk, shifting them from one side to another. Finally he looked up and smiled slightly. “Kylie, I just wanted to tell you that I have really enjoyed having you in my class. Your comment today regarding how God helps by showing you what you should do and say was very enlightening. I know that I have thrown some pretty difficult questions your way this year. You have done very well in answering them—so well, in fact, that I have wondered where you got your insight. Now I think I understand.”
Kylie looked seriously at her teacher. “Thank you, Mr. Joelsted. Your questions have made me think, and pray for wisdom as to how to answer them. I do believe that God has helped me.”
“I believe that too,” said Mr. Joelsted quietly. “Never let go of the faith you have, Kylie. It is something very special.”
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