PEACE - Champions by the Fruit of the SpiritSample

Peace vs. Worry

Bible story: Elijah fed by ravens "1 Kings 17:1-6"

Theme Verse: Matthew 6:33

In this lesson, we learn about peace as one of the fruits of the Spirit. One type of peace is quietness inside our souls. It comes from a trust in God to take care of all our needs. When we start to worry about what we will eat or what we will wear, we lose our peace. Jesus encouraged us in Matthew chapter 6 not to worry about our own lives but to trust him for our needs. He told us that we are much more important to Him than the birds in the sky, yet they have all they need. Jesus used the analogy of flowers in the fields, which are clothed so beautifully, yet we are much more important than the flowers.

God asks us not to worry about ourselves. We are to seek God first, and all our needs will be added as well. He wants us to trust Him.

It sounds wonderful, but it can be very difficult to do. This is why Jesus says in this same passage, "O you of little faith." It requires faith to be able to trust God for our needs and stop worrying. We will have God's peace inside our hearts and souls if we trust Him.

In today's Bible story, Elijah had to have a lot of faith to trust God because God sent him to the desert for a long time and asked him not to worry about his food and water!

God sent birds (ravens) to bring him food, both bread and meat, every morning and evening. He survived because birds brought him food. He had drinking water from a brook.

Can you imagine how difficult it must have been for him? He probably worried about how he would survive in the wilderness. You and I have worries all the time, too. We may be worrying about our food, just like the prophet Elijah. On the other hand, we might worry about clothes, bus fare, or other needs.

Peace in our souls can only come when we are fully trusting God for everything we need. That way, when troubles arise, we do not have to worry. In good times and bad times, God will provide for our needs.

Questions:

1. Is there anything God cannot do?

2. Why does God let bad things happen?

3. What about when God feels far away?

Life Application:

Share something you have with someone else, even if it means you will have to go without it. Either food, clothing, bus fare, or something else that costs you money. Ask God to meet your needs.