When the Classroom Feels Out of Control: A Holy Spirit Reminder

The other night, I had a dream that left my spirit still and humbled before the Lord.

I was driving down a highway, and suddenly the gas pedal began pressing itself.

I wasn’t touching it.

I wasn’t controlling it.

But the car kept speeding up.

With every mile, the fear grew heavier. I weaved in and out of traffic, gripping the steering wheel with all the strength I had. For a moment, I managed—barely. But exhaustion came fast. My arms burned. My heart raced. I felt the limits of my own strength.

And then… I gave up.

Not in defeat, but in surrender.

I accepted that I didn’t have the power to stop what was happening. I accepted that this might be the end of the road. But just as I braced for impact, something holy happened.

My car jerked itself to the left and avoided the crash. The steering wheel moved without me guiding it. My shoulders sank as peace washed over me. I leaned my head back and rested.

The Holy Spirit was driving.

And I heard in my spirit:

“Daughter, stop wrestling what was never yours to control.”

What This Means for Us as Teachers and Caregivers

So many of us step into our classrooms or our homes carrying burdens that don’t belong in our hands:

• The family tension we slept on

• The bills we’re trying to stretch

• The decisions weighing on our hearts

• The worry about tomorrow

• The fear of what may happen

• The pressure to be everything for everyone

And just like in my dream, we press into the day white-knuckled—dodging obstacles, trying to hold everything together, using every ounce of strength just to make it through.

But the Word reminds us:

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14

When we operate out of fear or exhaustion, we miss the holy moments God places right in front of us.

• The toddler offering a gentle hug

• The preschooler whispering, “Look what I made!”

• The student finding courage to try something new

• The laughter that breaks through heavy air

• The tiny victories

• The sacred opportunities to speak life

These moments are the presence of God in the classroom—small glimmers of His goodness breaking through.

But we only notice them when we stop wrestling with the wheel.

You Are Not Driving Alone

The classroom is not yours to steer in your own strength.

Your home is not yours to manage on your own.

Your calling is not yours to carry without Him.

Our Master Teacher, Jesus, invites us into a gentler rhythm:

“Come to me… and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28–29

Rest doesn’t come when everything is fixed.

Rest comes when we surrender.

When we say,

“Holy Spirit, drive me today.

Move me where You want me.

Help me release the things I cannot control.”

Because the truth is this:

You are safest when God has the wheel.

A Word of Encouragement for Today

If your day feels overwhelming—

If your classroom feels chaotic—

If your spirit feels tired—

If your heart feels stretched thin—

Pause.

Breathe.

Surrender the wheel.

Let the Holy Spirit guide your hands, your words, your patience, your energy, your decisions, and your heart. He is faithful to direct your path, protect your steps, and refresh your soul.

And in doing so…

You will notice the beauty in front of you again.

You will see the joy in your students’ eyes.

You will feel the peace settle in your classroom.

You will teach with the Fruit of the Spirit flowing through you—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

That is where transformation happens.

That is where the classroom becomes holy ground.

~Coach Lori Lopez