Purpose: A Plan for KidsНамуна

Story

When I was in 8th grade, I played soccer for a team in the town where I grew up in the middle of Indiana. It was time for tryouts, and I was confident—as were all my best friends that I had been playing with since I was eight years old—that I would make the team. I always had in the past, so why wouldn’t I now? It was the last day of tryouts, and the coach called all the names of the players who made the team. Guess whose name didn’t get called?

I went home so mad and frustrated and sad, punching the pillows on my bed countless times with all the strength I had. Something I loved so much had been taken away from me. Now what was I supposed to do?

The Bible

“So then, everyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man. He builds his house on the rock. The rain comes down. The water rises. The winds blow and beat against that house. But it does not fall. It is built on the rock. But everyone who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man. He builds his house on sand. The rain comes down. The water rises. The winds blow and beat against that house. And it falls with a loud crash.”—Matthew 7:24–27

Think

What is happening in the world right now—and in your own life—is similar to the rain coming down, the water rising, and the wind blowing that Jesus was talking about. Jesus says we have the choice to be wise or foolish; to build our house on the sand or on the rock. When I didn’t make the soccer team, I found out that I was building on the sand; I was finding my purpose in something other than God. I want to be clear, friends, there is nothing wrong with enjoying things like soccer, video games, art, or any other passions God has given you! But God did not create us to find our purpose in them!

If you're feeling like what you care the most about, or what gives you life has been taken away from you, that’s okay! Jesus loves you so much and wants to show you that the greatest purpose and the greatest joy in your life come from following Him. When you choose to find your purpose in God, our Rock, there is nothing that can shake you!

Do Something

Write down something that you really like to do, but you aren’t able to do it right now. 

Pray

“Dear God, thank You that I can always trust You, even when my world seems crazy. Even though I can’t do some things that I really like to do, I trust that my purpose comes from You and nothing else! Thank You for being my Rock, Amen!”