Weekly devotion: Choosing hope in hopeless situations
Joint Christian Committee, Lebanon
A group of teenage girls enjoy studying together as part of the ‘Children on the Move’ programme
It is the sixth year of major disruption to education for children in Lebanon, affecting 1.5 million children. Since the escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah crisis in October 2024, over two-thirds of Lebanon’s public schools have been turned into shelters for people who have been displaced from their homes.
The World Bank estimates that it will take Lebanon generations to recover from these repeated disruptions to children’s education.
Our partner, the Joint Christian Committee (JCC), runs a programme called ‘Children on the Move’. It provides educational support and vocational training for out-of-school adolescents in the marginalised Beirut neighbourhood of Sabra and the adjoining Palestinian refugee camp, Shatila.
In recent weeks, the JCC has been responding to the needs of the many displaced children in the community and has started a new programme to bridge the educational gap and provide much-needed psychosocial support.
“In spite of the bad days facing our country, education remains our top priority and the key to overcoming all obstacles,” the JCC said on 11 October.
Bible reading
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’
Romans 15:13
Thought
In many ways, Lebanon’s education emergency seems like a hopeless situation. An incomprehensible number of children are being denied their fundamental right to education and their futures look bleak.
And yet, this verse in Romans turns our gaze upwards, reminding us that our God is a God of hope. While it is difficult to comprehend all that the current generation of children and young people in Lebanon have to endure, the JCC is dedicated making a real difference. Let us take hold of that small seed of hope and pray that bigger change will happen.
Ask yourself: How might we ‘overflow with hope’ in seemingly hopeless situations? How can we combat feelings of hopelessness?
Prayer
Lord God,
We thank you for the the difference the JCC is making to the small group of children and young people it supports. Although in some ways it feels like a drop in the ocean of need, we remember that you are a God who loves and cares for individuals. You know each of these children by name, and we ask for your blessing on their lives.
We pray more broadly for the challenges facing young people across Lebanon. In the midst of conflict and the challenge of rebuilding, may you raise up leaders with a vision and passion for Lebanon’s future. May children across the country be able to access their right to education.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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