Junior High Junior High is a scary time for many kids – and their parents! This section offers prayers of encouragement. One mom shares her story: My seventh-grader Joshua had always been good in math; it just seemed to be easy for him. So it was no surprise when he was chosen to participate in an advanced math class. We allowed him to make the switch, pleased that his teacher had confidence in his readiness. But our excitement sagged when Joshua began coming home from math class upset and occasionally in tears. Joshua’s “dark nights of homework” were painful to watch. I could sense the struggle within him as he battled a lack of confidence and uncertainty with the new material. It was not long until he voiced the question that was bouncing around his tired little mind, “Can I quit? Please?” His question prompted questions of my own. Do I meet with his teacher for her counsel or do I simply retreat to my prayer closet? I chose to do both. My Moms In Touch prayer team joined me in praying that God would help Joshua in his accelerated course. My heart was encouraged by our prayer times, but I still ached when I saw Joshua’s continued pain and confusion during the homework hour. Then my appointment with his instructor was canceled. While this left me frustrated, it also reminded me that persevering in prayer was my best (and only) option. As I aligned myself with God’s heart for Joshua, I began to see Joshua’s attitude soften and the material grow easier for him to understand. I knew we’d turned an important corner. Joshua was all smiles as he presented his report card with an “A-” in advanced math. “You know, Mom, I really think I’m getting used to this math teacher. And the assignments just don’t bother me like they used to.” Joshua was desperate for help, and God came through. I learned that divine appointments in prayer are never postponed, and they don’t need to be.