"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12).

When people attain a measure of success in the public spotlight, what words do you normally hear them say when they are interviewed? That person usually says, "Because my ______________(fill in the blank - grandmother, mother, father, sister, friend, etc.) believed in me, I was able to accomplish what I've done." Amazingly, one person's faith in another person's ability inspires great achievement.

Christ demonstrated this fact when He chose Peter as a disciple. Recognizing his potential (Matthew 16:16-20), Jesus challenged Peter to follow Him. After Christ's death and resurrection, the Lord's words about Peter were fulfilled when the Holy Spirit transformed his life on the day of Pentecost. Even though Peter was uneducated and untrained, his confidence and willingness to die for the sake of the Gospel amazed the elders, rulers, and scribes (Acts 4:13-14). Because Christ patiently loved and encouraged Peter, he was able to perform miracles and change the world with the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness.

Does this same underlying principle lie at the root of every Christian school's success?

While many Christian school leaders and the teachers they inspire may feel unprepared for the challenge, their students are incredibly successful academically. Apparently, learning is only part of the equation in a child's ability to achieve great things. The other part lies within the hearts of their teachers, mentors, and parents who rise to the daily challenges of teaching children not only academics, but moral truth and Christian values. When you see God's potential within your students and encourage them to reach out and obtain it, you'll be amazed at what they achieve, too.

Lord, forgive me for limiting my students because of my unbelief in their abilities. Help me inspire them to greatness by believing in what You've created them to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.