Why does a good God allow suffering?
Children's Message(You will need a large piece of white paper, lemon juice to be used as "invisible ink," and a Q-tip. Dip the Q-Tip in lemon juice to write the word "Jesus" on the paper.)
State that many people ask questions like "Why does a good God allow suffering?" Give a few examples of suffering. Say that there is no simple answer to this, but that you are going to show the class one reason why God may allow problems and hardships to come into our lives. God is interested in what we do, but He is more interested in what we are, i.e. our character. God can use our problems to develop our character.
Use your own words for your particular class, but you could use the lines suggested below.
"God has a wonderful plan to change you into someone far better. If none of us ever had any troubles, not many of us would give God a second thought, and we would never change. God sometimes allows suffering in our lives and uses it - as He helps us to overcome our problems - to change us. The Bible says "Suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character" Romans 5:3,4 (CEV).
HOLD UP THE "BLANK" PAPER AT THIS POINT.
I am going to have an imaginary conversation with this paper. "Nice to see you paper, but I am now going to put you over a flame."
LIGHT A CANDLE. EXPLAINING THAT THE FLAME STANDS FOR TROUBLES OR PROBLEMS.
Paper - " I don't like the sound of that. I might get too hot. I might even get burnt".
"I do like you paper, but I have a wonderful plan to change you into something better, and I have to place you over the flame to make this happen."
BEGIN TO MOVE THE PAPER OVER THE FLAME, FOLLOWING THE WORD "JESUS" WHICH YOU SHOULD JUST BE ABLE TO SEE. BROWN WRITING WILL START TO APPEAR.
Continue your dialogue while still moving the paper.
"How are you feeling now paper?"
Paper - "Stop it. I am getting far too hot."
"I haven't finished my plan for you yet. I must complete the job. I know this is tough for you, but I won't let you burn."
COMPLETE THE HEATING OF THE PAPER. AS YOU HOLD THE PAPER TO SHOW THE CLASS THE WORD "JESUS" CONCLUDE YOUR TEACHING.
"This is what God's plan is for you. To build your character, and make you to be like Jesus [and so others will see Jesus in you]. Often He will use problems and difficulties in our lives to bring this about.
Copyright 2003 Maurice Sweetsur
msweetsur@xtra.co.nz
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