What comes to mind when you think of a kindergarten classroom? You may visualize the brightness of a room with posters of shapes and numbers or colorful rugs filled with alphabets for circle time, but the word challenging may not be your first thought.
While my time in the kindergarten classroom was one of the sweetest seasons as a teacher, the first two months of the school year were challenging. The thing about kindergarten is that you have the privilege of being the first encounter some children have with formal education. I was responsible for pouring into them and preparing them for first grade. That usually meant spending the first two months of school uncovering each child’s learning style and finding the academic treasure they held inside.
No matter what we faced in our classroom community, I knew my students’ love of learning would be connected to how I allowed them to experience kindergarten. And regardless of how tough a time we had in the first two months getting acclimated with one another, the hope I held for their future allowed me to see past those challenges and treasure them—to teach from a place of love and the possibility of what was to come mid-year. When I could shift my thinking to focusing on the future, both for my kids and our classroom environment, I could see the purpose of our momentary troubles.
Second Corinthians 4:7–18 encourages us in a similar way. We are clay jars filled with treasure, but our fragility does not stop God from using us. We do not have to dwell on our weaknesses because we can trust in His power, which is sufficient no matter what we face.
God calls us to focus on our future hope, even in the midst of our current challenges. The assurance of His presence gives us courage to know that, whether we face persecution or joy in the classroom of life, we can respond with gratitude to both because our greatest reward is in heaven where He prepares a place for us.
If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. —John 14:3
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Our hope comes from the holy expectation of spending eternity with Him. And as we learn to focus on Him, we see that He is the one who sustains us— His treasured jars of clay.
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52 thoughts on "Our Future Hope"
Hope is powerful. Hope in what is coming. The fulfillment of the promise. Amen.
I still remember my kindergarten teacher! And now that I am a teacher myself, this devotional making that connection really spoke to me! Praise the Lord! I cannot do anything without Jesus!
I’m in! Let’s do 1, 2 or 5!
@Heidi – great idea for the she’s to stay together. I will not join you, but will get back to Chronicles from Lent- I did not finish because of my MIL’s stroke and death. Blessings to you all❤️
I still remember my kindergarten teacher, Mrs Wise. I learned to love school in that classroom❤️
I’m in!! I vote for option number 2
Praying for you Alexandra, your dad and his physician and the surgical team
@Terri Baldwin love your comment about letting your heart be kept with full trust in God. As somebody who loves control I struggle with this so much at times. @Rhonda J. I appreciate your stand on your marriage. As somebody’s who on the opposite end of the spectrum hoping to get married it’s nice to know that even when you’re married trials still come up and that’s okay! Praying for you all today.
Agreed! CeeGee such a neat story. Thanks for sharing. Dorothy. I am sorry that things are crazy right now I am praying for you
@Mercy As I was reading your comment today, I was thinking maybe you are in West Texas. Not sure if you are or not. My daughter also had a kindergarten teacher named Mrs. McDonald and had to come home and do virtual to finish out the school year. Her teacher was amazing and taught her to read so well that she would read books in class to her classmates. She loved Mrs. McDonald.
Good evening, ladies. Tonight’s reading really struck home. I read John 14:1-6 twice with tears streaming. Tomorrow morning my dad has surgery to remove a tumor from his bladder. It’s only after the surgery we’ll know whether it is benign or cancerous and, if it is cancer, what stage. May I ask for prayers for my dad and his medical team? Until I have definitive news I’ll do my best to not let my heart be troubled (though I’ll need to rely on Jesus for that). Thank you.
As a kindergarten teacher of 4 years the first two months are definitely a challenge to say the least.. haha.. I love this comparison to us and our relationship with God though! Hold onto the hope of the future.
I’m interested in doing a study during the break!
Heidi, I like #2 & #4. Thank you so much for doing this. Hugs sister! I did get my Amos book yesterday.
Good afternoon she’s, today’s reading is just phenomenal. My daughter is going to kindergarten this coming September and I am praying for her future teacher and her future classmates. When my son went to kindergarten, Mrs. McDonald was such a light and a beacon of hope, she laid the foundation of his love for school. She worked hard and was so kind amidst all covid protocols, there was two sudden halt announcements, when in-class study got cancelled to a sudden switch to online zoom for kindergarten. She printed out two weeks worth of materials to help parents teach the kids at home, and had daily morning zoom, I remembered her always with a smile and excitement to see the kids via zoom (despite them zoning out, distracting, etc.). Sadly she switched school now, but she created a lasting impression on me. Anywho…the wondrous imagery that jumped out for me today is we shall be “caught up in the clouds and meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV). I don’t know if He will return in my/our lifetime… but what a breathtaking reunite in the air among the clouds. Though I fellowship with Him through prayers, but it will be first time seeing Him in person. I saw Him in dreams before when I asked Him to show me how He looked like. He appeared in ways that I didn’t know for sure if that’s Him, like the way the disciples had a feeling but didn’t dare to ask..that’s how my dreams panned out too…then I finally asked and he said “it’s Me”. But it won’t be the same as this glorious Second Return to see God in all His glory with my own eyes. I am afraid of heights but I guess that won’t matter lol. I would be completely awestruck like seeing a celebrity. My Jesus- my celebrity. Glory to Him.
@DOROTHY: was thinking of you when coming across the scriptures today, what a timely encouragement, please know I and other she’s are praying for your strength and your joy daily.
@EM: praying for your marriage to be strengthened more and more, and praise God for the reconciliation testimony. Praying for marriages of our dear she’s, including mine, to be sustained by God’s mercy, that our many burdens as wives will be lifted by God’s hands.
@ZOEY: loved the systematic scriptures you shared. I was smiling real big reading them. How victorious we are in Jesus!
Be blessed dear sisters. May the JOY of the Lord be OUR continual strength.
Same!!! Best part of my day
I pray that I would live my life in light of eternity; knowing that this world isn’t all there is.
I receive a card with my study books. It looks like the next study for April is Amos. I didn’t see anything about the break. I can’t imagine! Although I have received some books that I have not done yet. I could always tackle those.
I loved, “God calls us to focus on our future hope, even in the midst of current challenges. The assurance of His presence gives us courage to know that, whether we face persecution or joy, we can respond in gratitude.”
After it taking me four hours to read the Scripture and devotional and another two hours to finally sit down and write my comment, I think I’m ready.
After reading the verses in 1 Thessalonians, I noticed there was a devotional in my Bible to go with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14. It has to do with the lose of a loved one. As I read it I was saying, “I hear You God, I hear You.” I would like to pass on the “Treasure of Truth” that goes with this devotional — “Death is not good-bye; it is “I will see you on the other side.”” the devotional had me in tears. My life is in such disarray right now that God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are the Ones I know I can turn to.
Be blessed and God, Christ and the Holy Spirit do hear you Sisters.
Thankful for this group. Feel so uplifted by responses and had a good reconciliation with my husband this afternoon. You all’s prayers and encouragement meant so much today.
1.God has authority and power over life and death. Deuteronomy 32:39, 1 Samuel 2:6, Romans 8:38–39.
2.God can bypass natural death, and He can resurrect the dead. Genesis 5:24 (see Hebrew, 11:5) 2 Kings, 2:11, Ezekiel 37:7–10, John 11:43–44
3.there is hope for both spiritual and bodily rescue from death. Job 19:25–27, Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, Hebrew 11:17, 19 (see Genesis 22:1-15)
4.Christ is the fulfillment and image of our resurrection hope. Matthew 4:16, John 11:25, acts 2:24, Romans 6:5, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:19, 1 Corinthians 15:21, Hebrews 2:9.
5.Christ is with us and both life and death. John 17:3, 2 Corinthians 4:10, Philippians 1:21.
6.death will be defeated, once, and for all. 1 Corinthians 15:26, 1 Corinthians 15:54–55, Revelation 21:4. 
Hope that helps! God bless :)
I don’t see the post you all are referencing about a 3-wk hiatus, so I don’t know what specifically was said, but they are showing this on the podcast page [about midway down].
Upcoming Reading Plans: If you’re reading along with the SRT community calendar, choose one of these three-week plans to read from May 1 through May 21.
Kingdom of God
1 & 2 Thessalonians
Mark
Hi y’all. Missed a couple of days of checking in cuz running late & I come back to “no SRT for 3 weeks”! I’m in for whatever study, connections, meetup…just tell me how. And #5 sounded good on Psalm 119, or the #2.
Kelly (NEO), I think it was you that asked about my mom. She’s doing incredibly well in some respects. They sent her home with hospice care coming in. She’s struggling with needing help, with letting people in. She’s hidden her hoarding for decades & is not happy to reveal it now, so she’s holding off family & friends that want to come see her. Physically she’s weak, having trouble holding down food & short of breath. The Lord has given us such a miracle though. We went from months, to days of life expectancy….to she got to go home. Your prayers are so greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
Dorothy, my heart is with you.
I’ll try to stay in closer touch. Can’t be without my SRT gang. Hugs & love y’all.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16. This verse right here- whew hit me like a ton of bricks today. Praising God I am being renewed everyday!!!
I love the reminder as well. I totally agree with you! I teach 1st and previously Kindergarten so I know about the end of year challenges as well. May it be a blessed end of year did you! ❤️
I 100% lied and don’t even feel bad bc I’d love to participate in a 3wk study as well… genius idea…
ANYONE INTERESTED IN JOINING AN UNOFFICIAL-SRT-3-WEEK PLAN??
I did a deep dive into some of the older ones hoping maybe newbies would get a chance to do one they weren’t here for yet, and those of us who HAVE done it, it’s far enough removed that would be like new..?? I did NOT include every option. in order to keep the choosing process easy I’ve just listed 5 options BUT that does NOT mean you shouldn’t voice yourself if there is one on there that just seems perfect for your season right now… Here’s what I have –
1. The Life Of Moses – 21 days
2. Psalms of Gratitude – 13 days + Psalms of Rest- 7 days (20 ttl)
3. Nehemiah – 21 days
4. Ecclesiastes – 21 days
5. Psalm 119 – 14 days + Trust In the Lord – 7 days (21 ttl)
AGAIN. there are about 283,547 more options.
These are 5 to get the ball rolling.
IF you are interested in one of them, maybe just make a post with “I’m in – Let’s do (insert option number here).”
I’m happy to check in over the next couple of days and then report on Friday by noon what the choice is?? I’m not sure if they are planning to put anything out on Saturday so Friday is probably safest…
**(I will repost this tmr in for the early-birds who may not see it..)
Praying for you this morning. May you find your hope, peace, joy, and strength in the Lord dear sister.
I will not post again today I promise.. wow.. however..
RHONDA J-
MY HEART IS JUMPING FOR YOU!! :) I am So happy that the Sacred Marriage book was a good resource for you and that you feel encouraged by it! We will all keep praying that as you both work through this season, you will see God working in and around you, growing your character, your faith and completing His will through the two of you ❤️
If several of you do a 3 week study, during the down period, I would be interested in doing it also. It would feel strange not meeting on here each day for so long. Thanks sisters! Have a wonderful day.♥️
HUGE FAVOR FOR ANYONE WITH A STUDY BOOK:
In the podcast they mentioned there is a section written in the study book called Hope Even in Death, on page 93. She listed a couple out but I wondered if anyone was willing/had a second, would you mind listing out the rest?? She mentioned #1. God has authority and power over death… but i’d love to hear (read) the rest of it… anyone willing to share?? :) :)
Good morning sweet she’s. After reading the WORD followed by this beautiful devotion, The word “kindergarten” caught my attention! I mainly work with kindergartners. I am not a teacher, but they call me teacher. Every year I get a new batch of these beautiful sweet little faces and yep there’s challenges. It brings me back to their first day of school, most of them are crying, parents are crying, my heart feels for both the children and the parents, but then I also know by the end of the school year, they’ve grown and just love kindergarten. What I love about kindergarten is that they love you so much unconditionally. This is the best part of my job is the children. It’s what keeps me there. And like any other school there are a few children who are very challenging and I get to pray for them. Though I work at a public charter school where I don’t get to audibly pray for them, I pray for them here in my quiet spot at home I pray they see Jesus in me as I get to The privilege of investing in part of their education. And yes, there are those very challenging children that I even need prayer to help take a deep breath, and remember they are only in kindergarten. Sometimes, quietly, I whisper to them, “you are fearfully and wonderfully made”
CeeGee, I LOVE your story about the clay jar. It makes me want to go buy a jar and break it on purpose to put back together and put a light inside just so I can retell that story. It’s a beautiful picture of what God can do with our brokenness. Thank you for telling that!
Let your heart be kept with full trust in God. The word your. However others are overwhelmed with the sorrows of this present time, be not you so. Christ’s disciples, more than others, should keep their minds quiet, when everything else is unquiet. Here is the remedy against this trouble of mind, Believe. By believing in Christ as the Mediator between God and man, we gain comfort. The happiness of heaven is spoken of as in a father’s house. There are many mansions, for there are many sons to be brought to glory. Mansions are lasting dwellings. Christ will be the Finisher of that of which he is the Author or Beginner; if he have prepared the place for us, he will prepare us for it. Christ is the sinner’s Way to the Father and to heaven, in his person as God manifest in the flesh, in his atoning sacrifice, and as our Advocate. He is the Truth, as fulfilling all the prophecies of a Saviour; believing which, sinners come by him the Way. He is the Life, by whose life-giving Spirit the dead in sin are quickened.
Em, I’m so sorry you are going through this. Praying for you and your husband but please seek a safe place if your current situation is not safe for you.
KAT D – I heard in Sunday School recently that Pat Boone has written a book titled “If” based on the use of the word in Scripture.
EM – sending a hug of sisterly encouragement. I have spent my adult life states away from my core family so I understand that feeling of loneliness (like there’s no one to ‘have your back’. Praying you see and feel God in action through these times.
JARS OF CLAY – So many things come to mind whenever I read that passage in 2 Corinthians. I have a ginger jar that my mom gave me about 40 years ago. The boys broke it one day playing soccer in the house! It had such sentimental value I couldn’t throw it out. I boxed up the pieces and recently (about 20 years later) glued the pieces together. Now, if it’s original use was to hold water, it wouldn’t be useful, but what I know is that it can hold a light inside and because of the seams (cracks) that light shines through. That can only happen BECAUSE OF THE CRACKS! Just another way to think of us as clay jars and how God can always use us and HIS Light can shine through us, damaged or not. Sorry for the long post, but I just had to share and I hope it makes sense!
SEARCHING, RHONDA J, AND OTHERS INTERESTED IN CONNECTING – I think the idea of doing an older study together would be great if SRT doesn’t offer a rerun for those weeks. Let’s keep that option open; it’s a very easy thing to do.
Wow. Todays HRT focus on promises provided these words of comfort. “A commitment is only as solid as the person making it” and “Thankfully, Jesus is not like us.” When the Messiah says He will do something it’s a done deal. He never backs out of a promise, never fails to make good on his words.
Morning my friends, I don’t often post on here but I faithfully show up every single morning to read SRT and everyone’s comments. I’ve spent the past 3 years with you ladies and this study has helped me tremendously thru the past few very difficult years. I cannot even imagine a 3 week beak. 3 years ago, is when I discovered SRT, I would wake up, look at instagram and watch entertainment news. Now I wake up and sit with my coffee and read my bible with no tv on. It has made me a better person by bringing God into my life each day instead of just here and there and when I think of it. Thank you to all the ladies who show up each morn and comment, it has helped me in my understanding so so much. ❤️
I’ve seen the post about no study for 3 weeks. In the past there has been an online-only study – no study book. That may be what’s happening this time. I know from the podcast that there will be something.
Such a little word, but.
Yesterday’s HRT devotion wonderfully focused on the upside down-ness of the world/Kingdom. Canaan Chapman’s words “But Jesus“ made me smile and think of Tina and others use of “But God” in SRT comments.
There is another little word in today’s reading of John 14:3 And to be honest, the “If” initially bothered me.
But God… promises
… works in me… and in others…
“so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God” 2 Corinthians 4:15
Heavenly Father, only You know what is in the hearts of others. May we follow Your command to love one another and in so doing reach more people causing thanksgiving to overflow to Your grace and glory. Amen.
Amen
Praying for you and your husband.
EM- I am so deeply sorry for your hurt and pain right now… I am praying for you and your husband both, that his mis-placed anger and your feelings of loneliness may be met with God’s enormous comfort and wisdom. Have either of you reached out to a (certified) Christian Marriage/Family Therapist? A mediator who is trained in the wisdom of God specifically for therapeutic counseling can provide so much relief. Just having that 3rd person to bounce things off of and help interpret what may be being miscommunicated. I clearly do not know your whole situation and I’m not trying to… But I know that hurt and my experience (many times over) has been that the people involved are ill-equipped to effectively communicate what is really at the root of the hurt. God is for you, your marriage, your life together. Praying His loving arms of peace and wisdom as you both navigate this minefield of emotions and circumstances.
Part of the passage from 2 Cor. stuck with me… “We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the LIFE of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. For we who live are ALWAYS BEING GIVEN OVER TO DEATH for Jesus’ sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh.” (emphasis mine)
First off, it’s just a miracle. The life of God the Son being displayed IN. ME. Seems so impossible… We read of him and see works of him and stand in awe when we are struck by his magnitude. And that SAME EXACT existence is in me to display to others who will never sit in front of Scripture. But they’ll sit in front of ME. So I then (have the opportunity to) become Scripture to them. The Word made flesh – that flesh in me. Sorry, I keep basically saying the same thing again and again but it’s just so incredible!!
So the second part is where my focus needs to rest – I am always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake – however, I’ll admit, I often go ahead and die to the wrong thing. I choose life in so many distractions. I mean, truthfully, I choose life in the very spirit that crucified my Savior. I say that and instinctively want to argue it but it’s the truth. So today – practically speaking – I need to be intentional on choosing to die for His sake. If I want to demonstrate the working and living of Jesus in me, then what things do I need to choose today to die to today- Netflix? IG? Mis-prioritizing my day? So many things… But grateful he empowers me and strengthens me and encourages me along the way – mistakes and all! : )
***v. 17: “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory”***
*INCOMPARABLE.*
That’s what we need to keep in the front of our minds with every choice we make today – they are producing an INCOMPARABLE eternal weight of GLORY. :)
What comes to mind? –Challenge and fear!! lol. I tried being a substitute teacher..3 times. That’s all it took to know it wasn’t for me. Kindergarten class was not easy!!
Thank you Heidi so much! I looked up the book “Sacred Marriage” and was able to read the first three chapters on the sample! So good!! It will be very helpful! Thank you so much to those others that commented about this subject!
NO SRT study for 3 weeks…GASP!! It is my morning cup of Joe! Yes, we should pick a past 3 week study to do together! That would be awful not to hear from you dear SHE”S each day for weeks!
Today’s scripture 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 is so powerful and speaks to me today as I am in pain…still. Every day for 18 years. I try to keep my endurance in the Lord, and know it could always be worse! Knowing that it is in the bible that we will suffer, and have affliction, But God, we will be renewed perfectly one day! Oh Glorious Day…that will be! I will be sharing this passage at our “Enduring Chronic Pain” group I am leading this morning at church!
❤️
@Em- May no weapon formed against you prosper. May God help you and you husband work through this time of difficulty. May your love for one another be present. May you speak life to one another and build each other up, just as Christ does to the body. Lord, have mercy and be near to Em.
@Searching – yes maybe we need a place to stay connected during those weeks. I’m not sure if people could download the app “whatsapp” (pretty common platform)- it’s a free text /chat room communication app that you need Wi-Fi to use. We could make a SRT chat on there. Just an idea. I’m not sure where else we could meet other than the last day of a study.
Amen
This devotion was just so powerful… I am a teacher so I could relate to every single word spoken… uncovering the hidden treasure— it hit me so hard knowing that God looks at me the same way I look at my students “as a hidden treasure” molding me and bringing out the best in me even through the difficult times!! I needed these words today!
EM – praying for you, and for your husband ❤️
Lord I believe, let me therefore speak. Thank You Jesus for your life giving blood of assurance. Amen
KELLY (NEO) – Amen.
Jesus is our Living Hope, and we are sustained and strengthened even when we are at our most fragile. God is our strength and our portion. Ps 73:26
SISTERS – I am a bit panicky this morning after reading yesterday’s comments (thank you MADALYN VINCENT as I searched history this morning to confirm I did not receive an email) that the next study starts May 22. I love studying with all of you each day! Not sure what the SRT home page or app will show during the ‘grace weeks’ break. Ideas for connecting during that time for those of us not on fb or other social media? Continue commenting on the last day of this study? Agree on choosing a past 21-day study to do together? Put on your thinking caps, please!
TAMI C – oh my goodness, you too? ❤️ Those years were an awful time in my life, but I’ve never associated my lack of trust (my trust list is nearly non existent) or lack of interest/difficulty in making friends with that time frame – you have given me a lot to think about. I’m a decade or more older than you so have had more time to grow in my faith and grow past many of those feelings and concern about other people’s views of me – a work in process, for sure.
Feeling discouraged & weary of fighting with spouse. Feeling criticized & hurt. Lord, help me. I want to see his growth & flourishing, but it feels like I am the brunt of the blows as his anger runs hot.
As we navigate infertility, often feel like I’m only a disappointment to him – he only shares what he thinks I am doing wrong, what he doesn’t like. I need affirmation God. I feel alone living far from my family and home. I know you are my comforter, help me.
“Don’t let your heart be troubled.”
Lord only You can bring this to pass in my life. This world IS troubling, guard my heart from its inflyence. I renew my commitment to fix my eyes on You, my Living Hope.