Weekly devotion: Trusting in God’s Plan
An open door to beauty - Jerusalem Old City
This week we pray for Koinonia Jerusalem, an organisation that aims to strengthen the Christian presence in the Holy Land and equip young people to be the church and community leaders of the future.
Education empowers young people – not only as individuals starting out in their careers, but as future leaders with infinite potential to improve society. In East Jerusalem, the Palestinian Christian community faces neglect and lack of investment, and life can be confusing and disheartening for its youth. A study by our partners at Koinonia Jerusalem showed that many young Christians leave school without the life skills and knowledge relevant to the local job market.
Koinonia aims to change this by providing mentorship and career guidance, showing the students what is possible and inspiring them to make plans for a productive future. Education professionals visit schools to provide one-to-one coaching that helps students identify their strengths and consider career options that might have seemed out of reach. The project aims to support 530 young people who would otherwise have lacked guidance. Perhaps one day they will, in turn, advise and encourage the next generation.
This is all part of Koinonia’s vision of a peaceful society where Jerusalem’s Christian presence becomes stronger thanks to its young people staying, thriving and feeling a real sense of belonging. Please pray with us this week for the students, mentors and teachers as they walk – with God always beside them – to a future of possibilities.
Bible reading
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
Jeremiah 29:11
Thought
Jeremiah’s words were first written to those exiled from Jerusalem, uncertain of their future. Today, young Palestinian Christians aren’t exiled from their city, but they are surrounded by a volatile context that makes it difficult to see the directions ahead. Thankfully, God promises that there’s a plan, and that their future is held in his hands. By reaching out with education and opportunities, Koinonia reveals God’s hope taking practical shape. As well as preparing the students for careers, the project shows them that their lives are important, their gifts are needed and their future is worth investing in.
Ask yourself: how can your life demonstrate to young people that God is faithful in his plans?
Prayer
Lord God,
Thank you for the plans you have for our hope and future. We pray for the young Palestinian Christians who seek skills, direction, and opportunity. Strengthen these future leaders with confidence and resilience, and bless those who teach, support, and invest in them. Remind us too to trust your plans for our own lives, even when the path ahead is unknown.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Testimonial from a Koinonia beneficiary
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