God Protects Us on Our Journey
MEMORY VERSE
“The gracious hand of our God was on us.” – Ezra 8:18
LESSON OVERVIEW
This lesson teaches children that God faithfully protects His people when they choose to pray, trust, and obey Him. Through the story of Ezra and the long journey back to Jerusalem, children will learn that God is stronger than any danger and more reliable than human strength. Even when the road looks scary or uncertain, God’s hand is always guiding and guarding those who depend on Him.
COMPLETE NARRATIVE FOR TEACHING
Ezra was a leader who deeply loved God and wanted to honor Him in everything he did. One day, Ezra gathered the people of Israel near a river because they were about to travel back to Jerusalem. This journey was very important because they were returning to rebuild and serve God in His holy city. However, the road ahead was long, difficult, and filled with possible dangers like thieves and enemies.
Before starting the journey, Ezra carefully looked at the people who were gathered. He noticed something very important. There were no Levites, the helpers God had chosen to serve in the temple. Instead of ignoring the problem or rushing forward, Ezra did the right thing. He prayed and asked God for help. Ezra trusted that God knew exactly what they needed.
God answered Ezra’s prayer by sending faithful Levites to join them. This showed the people that God listens when His children pray. After that, Ezra called everyone to fast and pray together. They humbled themselves before God and asked Him to protect their families, their children, and the valuable treasures they were carrying for the temple.
Ezra made a brave choice. He decided not to ask the king for soldiers to protect them because he wanted to show that God Himself was their protector. This required strong faith. Ezra trusted that God’s power was greater than any army.
As they traveled, God protected them every step of the way. No one was hurt. Nothing was lost. When they finally arrived safely in Jerusalem, the people praised God with thankful hearts. They counted everything they brought, and nothing was missing. The journey ended with worship because God had proven once again that His gracious hand was upon them.
THREE LESSONS TO LEARN
God listens when we pray sincerely.
Ezra did not try to solve problems on his own. He prayed first and trusted God to provide what was needed. Children can learn that God hears their prayers and cares about their concerns, big or small.
Trusting God brings peace and protection.
Even though the journey was dangerous, Ezra trusted God instead of relying on soldiers. When we trust God, our hearts can be calm because we know He is watching over us.
Obedience shows our love for God.
Ezra followed God’s instructions carefully, and the people obeyed as well. Obeying God is one way we show Him that we love and trust Him.
SUGGESTED ARTS AND CRAFTS
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Paper Shield Craft:
Children create a shield using paper or cardboard and write the words “God Protects Me” to remind them that God is their protector. -
Journey Map Drawing:
Kids draw a simple map showing Ezra’s journey, including the river, the road, and Jerusalem, emphasizing God’s guidance along the way. -
Prayer Hands Cutout:
Children trace their hands on paper, cut them out, and write short prayer requests to remember the importance of praying like Ezra did.
SUGGESTED GAMES
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Trust Walk Game:
Children take turns being blindfolded while a partner gently guides them, teaching the importance of trust. -
Journey Obstacle Course:
A simple course that represents challenges on a journey, reminding kids that God helps us overcome obstacles. -
Memory Verse Relay:
Teams race to arrange the memory verse words in the correct order.
SUGGESTED SUNDAY SCHOOL SONGS
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“My God Is So Big”
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“Be Bold, Be Strong”
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“Trust and Obey”
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