Hope in a Troubled World

By: Jan Lashbrook
Jan Lashbrook, CCA’s Early Childhood Program Director, reminds us that despite our circumstances, we can still find hope in the Prince of Peace — our omniscient and omnipotent helper.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13

Having celebrated Palm Sunday this past weekend, we are reminded of the events of that week so long ago. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, it had a unique significance. Though Jesus had been to Jerusalem several times to celebrate the feasts, his final entry into Jerusalem had a special meaning. He was solemnly entering as a humble King of peace.

At His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that particular Sunday, no one in the crowd expected Jesus to be crucified five days later. But Jesus knew. And at the cross, his devastated relatives, followers, and disciples never expected Him to rise from the dead three days later and walk among them again. But Jesus knew. He had told them He would, and He did. And when He appeared to them in the following days, their fear and uncertainty was changed to “great joy,” and their faith in their God was strengthened because Jesus did what he said He would do.
. . . no one in the crowd expected Jesus to be crucified five days later. But Jesus knew.
We are living in uncertain times right now. The news is filled with daily counts of those who have contracted COVID-19 in the world and in the United States. Most of us are either working from home, have had our work hours cut way down, or have lost our jobs entirely due to this pandemic. If we watch the news on a daily basis, we can be overcome with fear and anxiety at what the future holds for us. But one thing is certain. God knows.

This global pandemic is no surprise to our heavenly Father. In John 16:33, Jesus reminds His followers, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” Knowing that God is in control of our daily lives as well as our eternal future gives us the peace and assurance that nothing that happens in this world will diminish His love or His promises to us.
But one thing is certain. God knows.
When Jesus left the earth after His resurrection, He left us with a Comforter — the Holy Spirit. His role in our lives is abundant. He is our helper who teaches and reminds us of Jesus’s words (John 14:26). He convicts the world of sin (John 16:7-8). He is our source of revelation, wisdom, and power (I Cor. 2:10-11; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:17-20). He guides us to all truth (John 16:13-15). He is the giver of gifts (I Cor. 12:7-11), and is the sealer of our salvation (Eph. 1:13). He sanctifies us and helps us bear good fruit (Galatians 5:16-21), and finally, He comforts us and helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes for us when we don’t know what to pray (Romans 8:26-27).

This is good news for us in an uncertain time — the Holy Spirit is in us and there to help us in our time of trouble. All we have to do is ask in order to access that wisdom, truth, power, comfort, and strength.
the Holy Spirit is in us and there to help us in our time of trouble.
These last few weeks, I’ve talked with many of our preschool families who have no childcare right now but are trusting God to take care of them in this season at home with their kids. I am seeing and hearing the very positive and faith-filled comments of our pre-K families who are doing distance learning with their three and four year olds at home.

I am truly blessed to co-labor with our families during this season as we walk in trust, joy, and peace in spite of the troubles we’re facing in the world right now. Keep looking up. He is able!
Keep looking up. He is able!
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” —Romans 15:4

 

Jan Lashbrook is the Early Childhood Program Director at Calvary Christian Academy. She and her husband are “empty-nesters,” having raised three children who are all grown and married. Their youngest attended CCA for 12 years, graduating in 2012.
Back
  • Elizabeth Aviles
    Indeed in Jesus we find comfort. This Easter will be totally different, but God remains the same in the midst of the storm. Feeling grateful for His immense love for all of us.
  • Elizabeth Aviles
    Indeed our hope is in Jesus. Celebrating Easter will be totally different this year, but our God remains the same. Feeling grateful for God's immense love for us all.

Similar Articles

List of 4 news stories.

  • At-Home Academics: Practical Tools for Parents

    Struggling to support your child's learning at home? Taly Morales, an elementary teacher at CCA Fort Lauderdale, understands the challenges parents face in navigating the changing landscape of education. With over 16 years of teaching experience, she offers practical strategies to empower parents to enhance their child's academic journey.
    Read More
  • Preparing for College: Dorm Room Necessities

    There are many steps when it comes to preparing your teen for independence in college. We’re here to help! This article – written by CeCe Jacob, CCA’s Alumni Relations Coordinator – will share necessary items for your teen’s first year in a college dorm.
    Read More
  • Baseball Experiences for the CCA Community at LoanDepot Park

    Get your tickets for  these two incredible events at LoanDepot Park in Miami this March! This is not only an opportunity to experience the thrill of live sports, but also a time to fellowship with other CCA families and friends as a united school community.

    Read More
  • 7 Ways to Redeem Your Morning Routine

    Ensuring your child gets to school on time can be a daily challenge, especially after losing an hour of sleep due to daylight saving time. In this article, Mrs. Tarsis Martinez – Lower School Principal at Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood – presents a concise and actionable guide to help parents redeem their morning routine and set their children up for success in school and life!
    Read More

PROUD MEMBER OF:




Privacy & Nondiscriminatory Policies | Employment Opportunities

© 2023 CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.