Weekly Devotion: Stepping forward with confidence
This week we pray for young people in Alexandria as they learn skills for the modern workplace at the our partner the Arkan Centre. We’re also thinking about how to have confidence whenever God calls us onto a new path.
The Covid-19 pandemic upended so many certainties for all of us, and the effects continue to ripple through society. In Egypt, our partners report that young people are finding it difficult to build a stable future – businesses have closed, jobs are hard to get and the workplace has been transformed, with more communication moving online. Egypt’s education system – pressurised by the high population and lack of resources – has struggled to keep up with the skills the modern labour market demands.
The Arkan Cultural Centre, based at St Mark’s Pro-Cathedral in Alexandria, recognised these challenges and launched a project that has now been running successfully for years. Using a mix of online meetings and in-person classes in the peaceful space of the Pro-Cathedral, the programme offers training in skills such as online marketing and media production, building the young people’s confidence to enter the workforce.
Just as importantly, the project breaks down barriers. In a city where interfaith relationships can be tense and even erupt into violence, Christian and Muslim young men and women learn alongside one another with mutual respect and understanding. As they gain practical skills for employment, they are also building friendships and learning how to work together for a strong collective future.
Bible reading
Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet
‘in a very little while,
the one who is coming will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one will live by faith.
My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.’
Hebrews 10:35-38
Thought
Stepping into adulthood is daunting at the best of times, and the current global turmoil has placed even more challenges at young people’s feet. It is hard to stay confident when opportunities seem out of reach and school has left you ill-equipped for what comes next. This passage from Hebrews urges the reader to stay confident and keep going – the reward won’t happen instantly but if we keep trusting in God, we’ll get there. The Arkan Centre’s work reflects this message as it helps young people build self-worth and skills.
Many of us know what it feels like to doubt our abilities or hesitate before taking a new step. And God tends to call us forward before we feel fully prepared! This reading is a message not to shrink back – whatever our age or background, we can trust that God has a future for us and that we can step forward into the challenge.
Ask yourself: What is God asking you not to ‘shrink back’ from this week?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We pray for the young people taking part in the Arkan Centre’s project. Thank you for the friendships they are creating across faith barriers. Help them to recognise the abilities you have given them, and to use these fruitfully as they look towards the future.
And when we face daunting moments in our own lives, remind us to step forward with courage, knowing that we can have confidence in your presence.
Amen.
