Kids need to know that God is in control – this children’s message object lesson makes that point with a fun reference to St. Patrick’s Day. Download the message script below and watch the demonstration video to help you prepare.
“Trusting God in Times of Doubt”
Children’s Sermon Object Lesson from John 4:5-42
Main Objective: This message is a reminder that God is in control, no matter what else might happen. We are not subject to the winds of random “fate” or lucky or unlucky objects. We have a victor in Christ, and don’t need to fear the future. When kids are anxious or subject to mixed messages, they need to know that God loves us and cares for us, no matter what.
Law/Gospel Theme: It’s easy to succumb to fear, or to worry about uncertainties and future events. As Christians, we know that we can trust God’s will and work in all things. We know Jesus has overcome sin, death, and the devil, in order to save us. We put our hope in that confidence, and the fact that He has already won the victory!
Optional Materials: “Luck charms”: horseshoes, shamrocks, etc. (optional)
Bible Passage: 1 John 4:5-42
Message: Note: As with most messages, the details of how you choose to communicate this are adaptable and should cater to timing as well as to your audience and student needs. Use your judgment and ideas to best serve students.
- Don’t miss all our St. Patrick’s Day ideas for your children’s ministry.
- You can also find some Bible verses about Coronavirus fears
St. Patrick’s Day Children’s Message on Trusting God
If in season for St. Patrick’s Day, jazz this one up with some fun Irish flair. If that holiday is not nearby, simply use some common “luck” items or newspaper horoscopes.
Top o’ the morning to you, kids! How are ye?
Well, I’m not exactly Irish, but this month we are celebrating the country of Ireland, because it is soon going to be a fun holiday called St. Patrick’s Day!
Now, Saint Patrick was a real man who lived quite a long time ago. He was a missionary, and he worked to bring Christianity to the country of Ireland. His story is pretty amazing, and so is the story of how the people received his message and accepted Jesus. But there are other things Ireland is known for… it’s a country with a lot of green. It also has some interesting traditions, like leprechauns and fairies, shamrocks (clovers) and things that are called “lucky.”
Some people say that finding a clover with four leaves (instead of three) is good luck. Sometimes people say other things are lucky, like finding a penny in the road, or rubbing a rabbit’s foot. People also say that other things are bad luck, like walking under a ladder or breaking a mirror. There are stories behind some of these traditions, but the general feel that emerges is one of anxiety and uncertainty. Do you think that luck is a true dynamic that impacts our lives? (Allow children to answer, or have them give a thumbs up or down.)
Well, if you said “no,” you’re right! God loves us too much to leave our circumstances to chance or superstition or silly “luck.” Worrying about what might be good or bad luck only makes us feel scared, and God doesn’t want us to waste our minds on needless fear. He wants us to trust in Him, because God is always in charge. Even when things are not so great, God is in charge. When we don’t know what’s coming, God is in charge. When things are good….God is in charge! Can you say that with me? (Encourage kids to repeat or chant with you “God is in charge”).
And the Bible tells us that He loves us, and
that He will take care of us no matter what.
These days, a lot of people are getting scared and worried about sickness. Now,
it’s always a good idea to wash your hands and be mindful of others. We want to
stay healthy. But God doesn’t want us to walk around in constant terror of what
might happen. We put our faith in Him. We know HE is in charge! He will take
care of us. We might not know the whole future, but we know God wins. Jesus
defeated evil and death so we can be free from it! So try not to worry too
much. Live in God’s presence and power. Know that He cares for you. His will is
perfect. Why don’t we say a prayer to ask God for help when we feel afraid?
Children’s Prayer Moment
(Have kids repeat each line)
Dear God,
Thank you for being in charge in all things
Help me to put my trust and hope in you
Help me not to fear, but to love
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!
Bible References for this Message
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen canno] love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. -John 4:7-21
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
–Isaiah 41:10
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. -2 Timothy 1:7
Fear not, nor be afraid;
have I not told you from of old and declared it?
And you are my witnesses!
Is there a God besides me?
There is no Rock; I know not any.” –Isaiah 44
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[h] for those who are called according to his purpose. –Romans 8:28