Keeping Hope Alive

David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Middle School

Lesson 13
Fall 2023
By: RLD Editorial Team
November 26, 2023

Lesson Focus:

God gives us hope

Bible Basis:

Malachi 1:1, 5, 11; 2:8; 3:1-4

Materials Needed:

Step 1:

Internet access

Step 4:

Index cards
Pens/pencils

Summary & Links:

As they consider the hope that God gives us, students will look at the true story of an animal who brings hope to a teenager with epilepsy.

Resources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary/hope

Memory Verse:

Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
—Psalm 89:8

As they consider the hope that God gives us, students will look at the true story of an animal who brings hope to a teenager with epilepsy.

Materials Needed:

Internet access

As your students enter class, invite them to answer to this question: “What does hope mean to you?” Examples might include: “A wish I have,” or “Faith that God is in control,” or “That my brother will heal after his car accident.” There are no right or wrong answers and students may go about this task in different ways. Embrace students’ differences as they tackle this topic.

Many feelings, emotions, and wants feel similar to hope, but hope is a unique attribute in that it is an inner longing. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines hope this way: to desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment; to expect with confidence.

We’re going to watch a video clip about a young woman whose life changed dramatically after getting a dog—let’s find out why.

Play the following video [2:11]:
Service dog hopes to aid young NY girl with rare disorder

How did Maddy’s life change after getting a service dog? (Answers will vary but may include: she was able to live like a typical middle schooler, she could have more privacy and independence without having a night nurse, she always had someone looking out for her health and safety.)
Why might having a service dog bring hope to Maddy? (She could live a full and normal life; her health and safety were always monitored.)
Having a service dog gives Maddy hope to enjoy situations she’s facing now, but also hope for a safer future. How does this experience fit in with the definition of hope? (Answers might include that Maddy has a normal desire to be safe while also growing in independence.)

Today we’re going to talk about finding hope in our own lives and learning about the Source of the hope that is within us. Let’s learn more.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

Index cards
Pens/pencils

If your class is meeting online, invite your students to bring supplies with them to class.

Have students remember the definitions of hope they shared in Step 1. Next, invite students to add to their definitions of hope based on today’s lesson. For example, “God will reign again,” or “Peace will one day prevail.”

Then, explain to students that no matter their hopes and dreams, they know the One who can meet them where they are and fulfill the desires of their heart. First Chronicles 29:18 says, “Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.” Encourage students to make this their prayer this week in regard to the hopes that they shared.

Distribute supplies (or invite students to have supplies ready at home). Have students write today’s memory verse on the front side of their cards: “O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you” (Psalm 89:8).

On the other side of their cards, encourage students to write down one struggle they’re facing and one reason they have hope as they face this struggle. Invite students to use these cards as prayer reminders by placing them in their Bibles or on a dresser mirror where they will see them. Most importantly, encourage each student to pray for God’s help in facing this particular struggle this week.

Affirm each student in the knowledge that God is their hope. Remind your preteens that God is the source of all our hopes and dreams. Oftentimes our circumstances overwhelm us, but if we know Whom it is that we serve, we can always have hope in the future because God is our hope.

Have students regroup and close the session in prayer. Ask specifically for help for students who may feel they have lost all hope in life or in the situation they face.

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David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Middle School