October 10: Insight Post by Rachel Cleveland

  -   October 10, 2025

Jesus Brings Peace to the Uncertainty: When Jesus appears to Thomas, He greets him with peace. This demonstrates that in our moments of uncertainty and doubt, Jesus offers us peace and understanding.

Friday Verse

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4 (NLT)

Friday Questions

How can I seek and embrace the peace of Jesus in moments of doubt and uncertainty? In what practical ways can I trust in Him to be my source of stability and comfort during challenging times?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rachel Cleveland

2025 has not been anything like I expected or planned for it to be. In both good and hard ways. I have had to relinquish control over my career, allow Jesus to use me in new and stretching ways, and do my best to be at peace throughout a prolonged season of unknowns. It is the peace part that has been one of the most challenging aspects of the changes I have faced in the last 10 months. I would love to say I have had it this whole time and nothing has phased me, but honestly, it took me awhile to let go of my control and allow God the space to work without my interference.

Peace sometimes feels like a Christian term we use to gloss over situations, but I have found it to be a powerful force in my best and hardest days. Peace has infused my life in ways I have never experienced, allowing me to live an abundant life in a season of perpetual uncertainty. I have left a job, started a company, taught preschool, experienced hard goodbyes, made difficult financial decisions, and that’s only since February. Peace during this season has allowed me to live in excitement for all that is to come, while still being ok with where things are now, rather than a pile of stress losing my mind over all the chaos I have no control over. (Which would be my normal state of being, trust me!). Nothing shakes my type A, super planning personality more than not being in control or knowing what is coming next. And that type of season is exactly where the Lord has allowed me to exist for the majority of this year. There is NO WAY I would still be standing in this last quarter of 2025 without God graciously covering me in His peace.

Peace is only possible for me through Jesus. My default setting is not peaceful, it is controlling. It is not to be ok with uncertainty; it is to reorganize everything into a plan I feel confident about. It is not to trust blindly; just like Thomas, I am more likely to question everything and doubt things are true. So, the only way peace is even in my life is because of Jesus. Practically speaking, I have prayed for peace countless times in this season. Every time I found myself reviewing my bank account excessively, I prayed. Every job application submitted, I prayed if it was the right fit, an interview would come. Every opportunity I have had to serve my community, my church, and my friends and family, I have prayed for peace to know this is exactly what the Lord wants me to do. And He has answered loudly! Even without all the answers being given to me when I want them, He has allowed me to be steady in this raging storm until His plans come to fruition at the exact right time. I pray you will find the Lord’s peace in your own situation, whatever it may be. Peace may not take away the circumstances or change the hardship immediately, but it will change your outlook and your heart in the meantime.

Rachel Cleveland
Worship Team Volunteer and Silo Center Preschool Teacher

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org