ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date
1.11
… If we can stand firm in who God says we are and be still, god will fight for us. Inspire (for parents) I have enjoyed every age and stage of my children’s lives except one: sixth grade. Sixth grade is plain painful! Their bodies and their emotions are in utter chaos and the most important question in their hearts and on their minds is “Who am I?” No answer seems to satisfy them. They don’t feel like they belong anywhere. Their identity is in total conflict.
hurtful things. People betray us. Our own thoughts sometimes condemn us. In those times, if we can stand firm in who God says we are and be still, God will fight for us. “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you” (Isaiah 41:10, The Message).
The other kids at school and at church were by Janet Lee just as conflicted, and it made them cruel to each other. Thoughtless, unkind words flowed freely and sly, condemning glances were often given. Hair was wrong, clothes were wrong. They were stupid, or uncoordinated, or unpopular. It was agonizing to watch. I admit, at times I felt like a tiger was awakening in me. I wanted to shred someone for being so hurtful, so unfeeling to my kids. I odus, Part 1) s 5—12 (The Ex wanted to fight for them because Scripture: Exodu ople Fights for His Pe they didn’t seem strong enough to Main Point: God ur family to ned to allow yo fight for themselves. sig de is ce ur so This re your children d’s Word before Go in e tim ve We are God’s kids and I like to ha n is for parents Because God’s pla attend church. think He sometimes feels the same children’s faith, l nurturers of their to be the spiritua , your children lly way. The world can be a pretty u grow spiritua yo as at th ow we kn tough place sometimes. People lly as well. will grow spiritua can be cruel, say thoughtless and
Getting Started
Equip (for parents)
REM God made a personal assault on each Egyptian EMB “ F o ER v r he god so everyone would know the God of the ers cho befo Israelites was the one true God. Some of the E se u r e s t Israelites may have lost their faith and hope h i n the e cr wor eati him that God would save them. But He claimed l on o d to blam His people for Himself by fighting for f be h e l E e phe oly a them and proving that He, alone, was sian ss in nd his s 1:4 God. s God’s plan for Israel was not only to deliver them and cast down Egyptian gods, but to call His people for Himself … to worship Him. He fought for His people—not only to deliver them from their bondage, but to deliver their hearts and minds from the allegiance to false gods. God was mighty to save … and fought for His people. From the Israelites till now, God continues to fight for His people. When our children seem to be going down different paths and making bad decisions, we have to remember the Lord Himself is fighting for them. It can be tempting in these times to turn to our own efforts and work harder, discipline better, or control behavior more effectively. But we have to remember the words of Yahweh to His people as they left Egypt … “The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.” God will fight for our children. We need only point them towards Him and then be still, get out of the way, and let Him rescue their hearts.
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Support
(for parents & kids) Sometime this week read through the biblical account of the Exodus in Exodus 5:1–5, 9:1–7, 13–23. Then ask a question that reviews what you just read such as, “What did Pharaoh say when Moses and Aaron asked him to let the people go?” or “What did God do to show Pharaoh that He wanted the Israelites to be freed?” Before you begin to read the account, pray together as a family and thank God for being the one true God. Just for fun, read the passage and them go on a walk outside with your kids. As you walk, explain to them the Egyptians used to believe there were lots of different gods, but we know there is only one God who is powerful over everything. As you notice different aspects of nature point these out to your children (the sun, the wind, a body of water) and remind them God is in control of creation.” When you are finished, let them know what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible and that they will hear it in church. Close your time by praying and thanking God for His mighty power. Thank Him for being a God who fights for each one of us, just like He fought for the Israelites.
© 2010 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.