If your class is meeting online, invite your students to bring a pen/pencil and index card with them to class. Before this step, write the following Scriptures and ideas on the whiteboard or a screen-shared document for your students to refer to later:
- God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
- Cast all your cares on Jesus, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
- I exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths. —Psalm 30:1
- Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21).
- Jesus is always with you, even if it might not seem like it.
- God always has a plan, and that plan is perfect.
Today we saw how God helped Elijah when he was feeling down and discouraged. Elijah knew how powerful God was; he had seen God show His power when He sent fire from heaven to burn up Elijah’s sacrifice. After being part of such an incredible miracle, Elijah found himself running for his life and wondering if Queen Jezebel would make good on her threat. It seemed like the farther Elijah ran from Jezebel, the more discouraged he became. God came to Elijah and reminded him of His love.
We often experience the same kind of discouragement and disappointment that Elijah felt. We may find ourselves in a situation that leaves us scared, lonely, and wondering if God has forgotten about us. Just like the baby pigeons in the video we watched earlier who had a hard time waiting on Mom to bring home dinner, we sometimes find it hard to trust that God will take care of things. And when He does take care of things, we may find we wish for a different outcome. The story of Elijah and the whisper of a loving Father can help us remember that God is always, always there for us. He may not show Himself in the way we’d expect, but we can be certain that He will remind us of His love and care in the way we need it most.
- In what ways might God send love and encouragement to us today? (Answers may vary, but might include Scripture passages, devotionals, actions of kindness, and love from others.)
God can use us to do for others what the whisper in the wind did for Elijah; we can encourage and love others through our words and our actions.
- If someone in your life was lonely or discouraged, what might you say or do to help them feel encouraged and loved? (As students share ideas, add them to the verses/ideas already on the whiteboard.)
Hand out index cards and pens/pencils to your students. If your class is meeting online, invite them to have those items ready. Instruct your preteens to use the cards and markers to create encouragement cards. Students should choose a verse or quote (use the ideas from the whiteboard) and write it neatly on the card. Students can decorate their card with drawings or designs. If they have time, encourage them to make more than one.
This week, you’ll probably cross paths at some time with someone who’s experiencing discouragement of some kind. They may be lonely, they might be in the middle of a difficult situation, or they may be sad or scared—maybe Mom or Dad seems really worn out. You may not have any idea why they are down, but you have the opportunity to encourage them and show them Jesus.
When you get home today, find a place for your card(s) where you can access them easily—your backpack, your lunch box, your locker, or tucked inside a book you are reading. That way, when you encounter someone who is discouraged and down, you can give them your card and remind them that Jesus loves them, and that they aren’t alone. Your card of encouragement can be like the still, small voice that Elijah heard in the wind.
When you face discouragement this week—whether it’s at home, during school, or in the middle of an activity—remember the words of encouragement that you wrote on your card(s). Let the reminders of who Jesus is and how He always is there for you bring you encouragement and hope.
Close in prayer.
