** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <March 27, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Shelter in the Storm
• READ: PSALM 27:1-3; ISAIAH 25:4-5; MATTHEW 8:23-27
The storm was getting more violent by the second. The little boat couldn’t handle it. It creaked and groaned. There was no way we could make it. We would sink and all of us would drown, for there was no land near us. Our master was asleep. No normal human being could sleep through a time like this.
I mentally said farewells to my family as I tried to keep hold of the rail on the boat and not fall overboard. It was our fault we were on this boat. We had left behind everything and followed the man named Jesus. And now, we would die for it. I saw Philip wake Jesus. Jesus asked us why we were afraid and told us we had little faith. Why shouldn’t we be afraid? We were all terrified, except for Him, of course.
Jesus stood up, held out His hand, and commanded the storm to stop. We watched Him doubtfully. Just as the last word rolled off His lips, there was an immense calm. The wind stopped blowing completely, and the water was still as if nothing had happened. We stood there speechless. Who was this man?
. . .
We all go through storms in our life. Be they little or small. Those storms can be any fear or any challenge. Most of us are like the disciples during it all. Scared of the change and having little faith. However, with God on our side, we don’t need to be afraid, because He is our stronghold in the storm (Psalm 27:1).
If He can make the planets, the universe, and every little thing, I’m pretty sure He is in control. He loves us, and He is working all things for His good kingdom purposes (Romans 8:28-30). And, one day, when He returns, Jesus—the Creator—will ultimately calm the chaos of this world broken by sin (Revelation 21:1-5). We can “be strong and courageous” because God is our shelter in the storm (1 Chronicles 28:20). • Teah Wipf
• What storms do you face in your life? How is Jesus helping you through them?
• Read Hebrews 13:6. How can the truths in this verse help you in the midst of storms?
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (CSB)
** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <March 12, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
God Our Refuge
• READ: PSALMS 46:1; 62:8; PROVERBS 30:5
"Safe place." "Shelter." "Haven." "Refuge." These are some words we use to describe a place we go to in the middle of a storm or something else that disrupts the safety we have around us. You’ve probably had a tornado drill at school where your whole class takes cover by crowding into a space with no windows. Or perhaps you’ve had a fire drill where you go outside and find safety by distancing yourself from the building. Maybe you remember taking shelter indoors when there was a severe thunderstorm.
But where do you go during life’s storms? Where do you turn when your best friend decides she doesn’t want to hang out with you anymore? Or when you’re injured during a game and have to sit out for the rest of the season? What happens when your grandpa has a heart attack? What about when your mom is diagnosed with cancer? Where do you find refuge then?
When you’re hit with life’s storms, it can be tempting to turn to many things to find refuge. Maybe you turn on the TV or open the pantry to numb the pain. But the Bible tells us that true refuge is found in Jesus. When we look to Him—crying out to Him in the midst of whatever we face—we can experience Him as our refuge. • E. Marie
• What are some things you’re tempted to turn to in times of trouble?
• Since God is your refuge, how can you begin to “pour out your heart to him” when you face life’s storms (Psalm 62:8)?
• In Christ, is there anything we can’t bring before God (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 5:7)?
• What are some storms you are going through right now? Take some time to talk with God about them.
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 (NLT)
