PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN KIDS & FAMILIES date
4.9
In that moment, I realized I was not able to protect my child from every danger. Only God is able to protect at all times.” Inspire (for parents) As parents, one of our essential roles is that of protector. One of my defining moments as a parent came when I realized I was an imperfect protector. My daughter was not quite two years old when I was pregnant for the second time. I was constantly fatigued and nauseous, so I sat outside as much as possible under a large, shady tree while my daughter used up energy and I conserved mine. The days were spent with other neighbors or going for walks up and down our busy street. Outside, we were carefree and relaxed.
He was screaming about my baby. I sprinted to the young man who had somehow seen my little girl and slammed his brakes before the unthinkable occurred. His contempt for me and for my carelessness was evident. My self-contempt was even greater. In that moment, I realized I was not able to protect my child from every danger. Only God is able to protect at all times. I was eternally grateful that His protective embrace was around my tiny daughter, around this man’s vehicle, and around my shattered dreams of being the perfect protector.
Late one afternoon, when it was time to by Amy Palmerton make dinner, I coaxed my daughter inside with me in an attempt to make a simple dinner—one that wouldn’t make me sick. Standing in front of the open refrigerator, I went into Fiery Furnace) l 3:1–30 (The ie an D : re a daze, fantasizing about skipping tu ip Scr to Protect ur God Is Able dinner and going straight to bed. Main Point: O ily to allow your fam is designed to ren ce ild ur ch so re ur is Suddenly, a squealing of tires jarred yo Th ord before W ’s od G in re is for pa nts have time me into the present moment. Heart ause God’s plan ec B . ith, ch ur ch attend eir children’s fa racing, I rushed toward the open front nurturers of th al n tu re iri ild sp ch e ur th to be iritually, yo door to the sounds of a young man as you grow sp at th ow kn e w yelling, “Oh, my gosh! There’s a baby in ally as well. will grow spiritu the street!”
ted Getting Star
Equip (for parents) God is able to protect even when our circumstances seem impossible. In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem and overtook the city (Daniel 1:1). He took items from the temple of God, people from the royal family, and the nobility of Judah with him back to Babylon. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among those who were taken away from their home and birthright. Upon arriving in this pagan land, each was renamed. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were to be educated in the Babylonian language, literature, and the ways of the empire in order to serve within the court of the king. Regardless of the food they ate, what their names were, or the pagan practices of this new society in which they were forced to be members, these young men would not be stripped of their knowledge of God and the truth of who He is. These young men knew from birth the calling on their lives to be and live as God’s people. Knowing God was primary to their lives. Every decision, every practice was based on their knowledge and relationship with God. Regardless of the consequences, these young men were not going to turn from what they knew was true and the God they worshipped. Our children are facing a similar cultural climate. Society is continually rejecting the truth and knowledge of God. As we teach children the truth of who God is and as they know Him, they will be able to stand regardless of an environment that is hostile to the Lord. They will know what is true and that our God is able to protect them in any situation.
REMEMBER VERSE
Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3
Support (for parents & kids) This week, JUST FOR FUN, we suggest building a fire with your children. You can build a fire in your fireplace, go outside and sit by a fire pit, or simply light a few candles. Then read to your children the biblical account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:12–14, 16–20, and 24–30. After you’ve read the passage, encourage your children to look at the flames and describe them to you. Remind them how amazing it is that God could protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from being hurt at all when they were standing in the midst of flames. Think of a question that reflects on what you just read, such as, “Why was King Nebuchadnezzar mad at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?” or “Who was protecting them in the furnace?” Share with your children that God is always with us and He is able to protect us in all situations. Share with your children that what they just heard is part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear more at church this week about how our God is able to protect. Close your time by inviting your children to pray and ask for God’s protection in the circumstances of their everyday lives.
© 2011 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.