“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 ESV)

Back in my teaching days, there was a Grade 5 student who was disliked by all of the teachers. His teacher didn’t want him in her classroom, and he sensed this. He refused to listened to his teacher, and he wasn’t always polite.

I never had this child in my class, but when I saw him on the play ground or at lunch, I was always polite to him and I tried to show him that I liked him. Meanwhile, I was praying for him.

The problem student was eventually sent to another school that specialized in problem students. This school had very strict discipline, and the teachers in his new school wouldn’t put up with his nonsense.

Two years went by before the student was transferred back to my school. One day, at the end of the day, he came into my classroom. As my students had already left for the day, he began to share his experiences at the other school. I realized then that he was really there because he wanted someone to talk to.

He came to my classroom often after that. He seemed comfortable sharing his problems and his victories, and I began to notice positive changes in his behaviour. What this “problem” student really needed was someone who liked him and who was willing to listen to him. In the end, I realized this kid wasn’t tough at all.

The student then went on to high school. Nonetheless, he came to my classroom every week or so, and sometimes more. Whenever he had a problem, we would talk it over. He often mentioned my cross, telling me how much he liked it. Over time I saw him change into a real gentleman who wanted to do his best.

When we work with students, we can either help them or frustrate and discourage them. There are so many people in need. They will be in ever walk of our lives. How will we treat them? If we don’t know what to do, we can always ask our Heavenly Father. He will ALWAYS help us. When God is there, there is ALWAYS hope, even for troubled kids.

Didn’t Jesus tell us: “‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” (Luke 18:16 NIV)

Our God cares. He is still in the miracle business, and changing lives is not a hard thing for Him. There is ALWAYS Hope!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “There is ALWAYS Hope” devotional series, please click here.)