Part 2: Outward Focus

Let’s return to this passage and think about the young people we serve.

One of the gifts of working with young people is seeing glimpses of who they are becoming. Sometimes we see their creativity, kindness, courage, or potential even when they cannot see it themselves.

A young person’s present circumstances don’t tell us everything about their future. A difficult season, a mistake, or a struggle at home doesn’t define the whole of who they are.

We don’t know what the future holds, but we can meet young people with openness and remain attentive to what God might be doing in their lives. Hope becomes tangible through the steady presence of someone who listens, cares, makes room for growth, and doesn’t give up when the road is difficult.

Our patience has limits, and we don’t always know what to say or do. But we can pray and ask the God of hope to work in their lives and help us remain faithful as we walk alongside them.

Let’s hear Romans 15:13 once more.

“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.”

Bring to mind one young person who has been on your heart recently. Perhaps they’re struggling, facing an uncertain future, or needing encouragement to see what might be possible.

What might this young person need right now? What would you like to entrust to God on their behalf?

Pause

Consider your place in this young person’s story. Is there something you could offer through your presence, listening, or encouragement? Ask God to show you what faithfulness might look like in this relationship.

Pause

God of hope, we bring the young people in our communities before you. You know their struggles, gifts, questions, and possibilities. Surround them with people who see them with compassion and make room for them to grow. Where they feel discouraged, bring encouragement; where they feel alone, bring connection; and where they struggle to imagine a different future, open new possibilities.

Give us wisdom when we don’t know what to say, humility when we don’t understand, and perseverance when change takes time. When we become discouraged, remind us that we are not working alone. Help us trust that you are present in the lives of the young people we serve, even when we cannot see the full picture.

May your Spirit bring joy and peace into their lives, and may they discover the hope that comes from knowing you. Amen.

As you return to your day, remember: hope doesn’t require us to know how the story ends.

We can be present to the person in front of us, remain open to what God might be doing, and keep showing up when the next step isn’t clear. We do this by returning again and again to the God of hope, who sustains us and gives us what we need for the work ahead.