Have you ever been in a scary situation? In that moment, did you let fear take over, or trust that God was in control? It's easy to say we trust God when times are comfortable, but when the storms of life come our way, it's harder to remember God is in control if we haven't practiced. This week we looked at a story of a real storm, and of Paul's example of courage in the midst.
COURAGE: Living without fear because God is in control
MEMORY VERSE: “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fair you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: Because of who God is, we can have courage
We looked at the story of Paul in a scary shipwreck in Acts 27 this week. Paul was on his way to Rome so he could stand on trial before Caesar. He had already been arrested, so this was not a vacation trip! He was on board with tons of other soldiers and fellow prisoners. Without regarding Paul's warnings of bad weather, the ship set sail toward another harbor, and hit a massive, terrifying storm while at sea. Paul shows tremendous courage in this story, not only by standing up to those who were holding him in chains, but also by firmly trusting God throughout the storm.
Family Questions:
- Read Acts 27 together. Who can summarize the story?
- When the storm made it look hopeless, why did Paul still have hope? What did Paul know about God?
- How does the story end? Did things turn out like God told Paul they would?
- What does this story show about who God is?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
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TEACHER: Characteristics of God
At dinner this week, talk about WHO God is. What is He like? How would you describe God to someone who doesn't know Him? Write down a list of characteristics, then talk about them together. Can you back up the characteristics with Scripture? Write a verse next to each characteristic, and hang this up in your house to remind you who God is.
FRIEND: Giant Storms
While driving in the car this week, ask your kids to tell a story of the worst thunderstorm they can remember. What was it like? Have you ever been on a boat during a thunderstorm? What was that like? Talk about Paul in Acts 27 and ask how they think everyone on board was feeling during the crazy storm!
COUNSELOR: Trusting God
During bedtime this week, ask your child to share a few characteristics of who God is. Then ask your child to share a few of their fears. Can we trust God with those fears? Why or why not? Read this month's memory verse together again (Deuteronomy 31:6) and pray together for courage to trust God with our fears.
COACH: Memory Verse!
One day this week, have a contest to see who knows this month's memory verse best. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Bonus points: who can perform the best rap or song that you made up last week for it?
Prayer
Thank God that you can have courage because of who He is. Ask Him to help you remind others of His promises when they are in the middle of a storm and in need of His courage.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue studying COURAGE, by looking at the story of Daniel in Daniel 3. God is in control!
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