Have you ever thought that life should be easy because you’re a Christian? Now that you believe in Jesus life should be full of rainbows and butterflies; that life should now be smooth sailing; that you should get your cake and eat it too? Those are nice thoughts but that’s not what the Bible tells us.
As we continue to look at the life of Joseph this week, we’ll see how hard times can fall on even the best of us. Even when Joseph did everything right, he was thrown in jail for something he didn’t do. The key, Joseph kept his faith in God and continued to do the right thing.
Even for adults, this can be a difficult thing to remember. That is why we want to start instilling in our kids that faith, that trust, that God has a beautiful plan for each of us. This way, when life does get a bit messy, they will lean more into the Heavenly Father knowing that He’s there in the middle of the mess with them.
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ll show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: I can trust God’s plan, even when it’s hard (Joseph in Jail • Genesis 39–40)
Memory Verse: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:11, NLT
Key Question: Who has a plan for you?
Bottom Line: God has a plan for me.
Bible Story & Worship
If you would like to see a Bible video of the story, you may check it on our Abundant Life Journey Kids Facebook Page or via the Parent Cue app by reThink. In the app, the video is part of the content for preschoolers so list your child’s grade as preschool in order to access.
In addition, here is a version of the story that you can read to your child. It’s short and simple to help them grasp the base parts of Joseph’s story. After the story, lead them in worshipping God by singing and dancing for Him.
Bible Story – Joseph in Jail
Worship – Super Wonderful
Worship – Really Awesome Plan
Activities
The materials below will help reinforce the story as well as bring Jesus to their level. These can be done in any order, but I recommend the Discussion/Application last (this is the part that really brings Jesus to their level.) Be sure to practice the memory verse with your kids and think about what you can give them as a reward at the end of the month if they can say it all by themselves.
Bible Story Activity
Memory Verse with Hand Motions
Coloring Page
Discussion/Application
As we wrap up, I’d like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). It’s my hope that these lessons will plant a seed in your kids that will allow them to have peace through all the highs on lows of God’s plan. My prayers are with you.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6
Angela Moody is the Early Years Ministry Lead at Abundant Life.
