Jesus' power helps us do hard things and gives us hope
For next three weeks, kids will discover that trusting Jesus will pull them through life's ups and downs. Jesus' power helps them do hard things. Jesus' power also gives them hope!
In Acts 9, God asked Ananias to do something really hard. God told him to go pray for a notorious man named Saul. Ananias heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to believers. He knew that Saul would arrest him if he went, but Ananias obeyed God's command. Ananias went to see Saul, placed his hands on him. God filled Saul with the Holy Spirit, restored his sight, and Saul was baptized! When God asked Ananias to do hard things, he did not have to do it by himself, God helped him through His Spirit. Sometimes Jesus wants us to do things that are hard like loving our siblings or forgiving a bully at school, or obeying our parents. But if we trust Jesus and ask Him to help us, Jesus' power will help us do hard things! Let us remember what Philippians 4:13 says, "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength!"
Jesus' power also gives us hope! In Acts 27, we read that Paul and some other prisoners boarded a ship sailing for Rome. Unfortunately, the ship was caught by the storm. The storm became so violent that they gave up all hope of being saved. After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said, "Keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost, only the ship will be destroyed. Last night, an angel of God said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you. So keep up your courage, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me..." Paul encouraged them and urged them to eat. Eventually, their ship wrecked on an island just as God said and everyone reached land safely because God saved them all. In our lives, we may go through some tough times like Paul did but when we put our trust in God, He will fill our heart with hope and encouragement. "So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!" Psalm 31:24
Image: Tracking with Jesus Bible Book, Group Publishing