Read or quote the memory verse.
We've talked about how Jonah learned that no one can hide from God. Now we're going to hear about two other men from the Bible in 2 Kings 6:7-14 who experienced the power of God's presence.
Elisha and the Bad King
Elisha and his servant seemed to be in big trouble. Elisha was a prophet of God, and he loved God very much. He talked with God all the time and told others what He said. But sometimes that got him in trouble!
You see, there was a very bad king in the neighboring country of Aram who wanted to destroy the people of Israel. But every time he planned an attack, God told Elisha about it. Then Elisha would tell the king of Israel about what this bad king was going to do, and the armies of Israel would escape. This made the bad king very mad. He decided that he had to kill Elisha if he was to have any hope of conquering Israel. So the king sent his huge army of troops, horses, and chariots to surround the place where Elisha and his servant were staying.
Elisha knew God very well, so he wasn't afraid, but his helper still had a lot to learn. Listen to what happened when his helper saw the great army surrounding them:
Elisha knew God and knew that He was with them, but the young man could only see the big army in front of him until God showed Him the truth.
If you had been there, would you still be afraid after your eyes were open to God's army of fiery chariots? Why/Why not?
What happened next is surprising. God's army didn't come charging down on the bad king. Rather, Elisha asked God to make the king's men blind to the truth, and He did. So Elisha went up to them and told them they were in the wrong place and to follow him. Then Elisha led them right into the middle of the army of Israel! The King of Israel asked if he should have his men kill the enemy army. Elisha said, "Of course not! Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master."
The last verse of the story (2 Kings 6:23) says:
God had a much more effective way of dealing with the bad king, didn't He? (Yes!)
But Elisha's young servant didn't know that when he first saw the great army standing against them. Just two people against a huge army isn't good odds! The young man needed courage.
How do you think seeing God's army gave him courage? (He saw that he and Elisha were not alone. It wasn't really two against an army. It was God and His army against a mere man's army!)
Listen to Joshua 1:9 to see what God told Joshua, the man who led Israel after Moses died:
Where should Joshua (and us) get strength and courage? (From the promise that God is with us).
Why do you think remembering that God is with us everywhere and all the time will give us courage and strength? (If your children can't think of an answer, remind them of some of the other attributes -- He is All-powerful, He is All-knowing, He Never Changes, He is Faithful).
Do you need courage and strength for something?
How does it make you feel that you are never alone?
Why does it matter?Sometimes standing up for what is right can be very lonely. God promises to always be by your side and give you courage.
Talk with God and Stay ConnectedThink about the times that you have been afraid. Ask someone to pray with you regarding that fear. Thank God that since He is always with you, you can have courage and strength knowing that you are not alone.