If we’re really honest, we could all probably come up with a list. A list of our shortcomings and other things we don’t like about ourselves. “My hair is too ______ or I’m not _______ enough.” “Why does my laugh have to be so loud?” “Why can’t I be more decisive?” Moses certainly struggled with thoughts like this. This week, we see Moses’ response to being called to lead the Israelites and we get a reminder of our own that we can be thankful for who God created us to be. Remember, God never makes mistakes.
THANKFULNESS: A grateful heart that comes from trusting God
MEMORY VERSE: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: We can be thankful for who God created us to be.
In Exodus 4, God told Moses He wanted to send Moses to Egypt and use Him to set the Israelites free from slavery. Moses was afraid the Egyptians wouldn’t believe him or listen to him, so God gave Him 3 signs to show that He was with him. After all this amazingness from God, Moses still doubted God and didn’t want to go! He reminded God that it was hard for him to talk in front of people because his words got all tangled up. Moses wasn’t very thankful for who God created him to be. And how did God respond? He reminded Moses that He made Moses just the way he was! He made Moses’ mouth, and He wanted to use him! God could have just given up on Moses, but He didn’t! He had created Moses, His masterpiece, on purpose just the way He was and wanted to use Him for good things He planned for him…like freeing the Israelites from slavery to the Egyptians.
Family Questions:
READ EXODUS 4:1-17
- Look at verse 1. What was Moses worried about? (That the people wouldn’t believe him but instead think he was lying.)
- What three signs did God give Moses to show him and the people that He was with them? (His staff turned into a snake, his hand was diseased and then healed, and water from the Nile turned into blood.)
- Look at verse 10. Was Moses thankful for who God created him to be? What did Moses not like about himself? (He didn’t think he was a good speaker and thought he would mess up what he was supposed to say.)
- Reread verses 11-12. How did God respond to Moses’ doubt? (God reminded Moses that He created him and made him exactly how He wanted him to be.)
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: Meal Time
Read Ephesians 2:10 What are things about yourself that you like or dislike? When you struggle with not liking something God created about you, what do you doubt is true about God? Why? (That is like telling God we think He made a mistake or that He’s not good. However, God is perfect, good and never ever makes mistakes and that’s even true when He created you!) Talk about how God created you knowing everything about your life…the good and bad, your likes and dislikes, your hair and your height. All of this was part of His wonderful plan for your life! Isn’t that amazing? He knows everything about you and made you the way you are, personality and all, for very specific reasons!
Friend: Drive Time
Play the alphabet game as you drive – take turns finding a letter of the alphabet, starting with A, then B, C, etc. Whoever finds a word with the next letter gets to say something about how God has created them that they can be thankful for! Example: Artistic, Befriends others easily, Creative thinker, Determined, etc. If it’s a shorter car trip, remember the last letter you found and pick the game back up when you get back in the car!Counselor: Bedtime
Parents, take time to tell your kids things that you are thankful for about each of them. Pray over you kids, thanking God for the way He uniquely created them. Give your kids a chance to pray and thank God for the way He made them, too. Remind them that, no matter what, you love them and, more importantly, God loves them.
Coach: Anytime
How is your Thankfulness Countdown Calendar going? If you haven’t started yet, no worries! Any time is a great time to start. At the end of each day, write down at least one thing you are thankful for. On Thanksgiving, share your reasons for being thankful as a family and thank God for them!
Prayer
Thank God that he made you just the way you are. Thank Him that He is good and made you with a purpose. Ask Him to help you trust Him in all things and to be confident in who He made you to be!
Looking Ahead
Next week, we will continue looking at November's character trait, THANKFULNESS. We will learn how we can be thankful even through hard times!
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