INTRODUCTION

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Bible Point:

God is with us in the hard times.

Key Verse:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Big Picture:

You will learn how to face hard times in your own life and how to encourage others, even when you are struggling too.

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Genesis 29:15-30

Seeing how God can bring good out of hard situations often takes time and life experience. You might quickly notice what happens when you hurt a friend, but it usually takes longer to understand how God can work through forgiveness and rebuilding trust. Throughout this week, be reminded that God is always with you, even in the hardest moments.

TRY THIS

Have each member of your family use paper and colored pencils to create a miniature detour sign about an inch wide. Each person can place the sign anywhere in the house in a location where others will see it. Commit that when any of you see a detour sign, you’ll say a quick prayer thanking God that he works through life’s detours.

DAILY CHALLENGE

• JOURNAL for 10 minutes three days this week about hard times in your life. Be totally authentic and honest with God. Express the emotions you feel, and pray that in whatever situation you find yourself, you can hope in Jesus.

• IF you know a friend who is going through some hard times, send them a card—not an email or text, but real, old-fashioned snail mail—for encouragement.

• ASK a Christian grandparent or another older person how God was present through difficult moments in their life. Ask specifically about when that person was your age—yes, believe or not, they were at one point!