The Exodus
Key Verse: “Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” – (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Our hope is for our kids to know that: God is patient, even when we complain
Read:
(Open the bible and read to your child Exodus 17:1 – 7) The Israelites enjoyed manna every morning and quail every evening form God as he continued to provide. However, they were not having success in finding water, so they once again began to complain. God in his patience told Moses to take his leaders to a rock at Horeb and strike it. When Moses did as God had told him, water began to pour out, and not just a little bit of water, but enough water to provide for the 2 million or so people. Moses acted on faith and did not question God, and because his leaders were present they witnessed God’s work firsthand. What a wonderful thing it is that God provides for us even when we complain.
Share:
(This is an opportunity for you to ask some questions and to share your thoughts) Parents: Talk about a time you complained about a situation. Maybe you complained to one of your neighbors about another neighbor, or perhaps you complained to a friend about your spouse. Share what happened when you complained and how complaining affected the situation. Then encourage each person to think of things he or she complains about most and when. Discuss ways your family can work together to encourage each other to “make do” with a situation or need—without complaining.
Activity/Challenge for Families:
Sit down with your family and make a list of as many good gifts from God as you can think of – food to eat, a good family, and a job, for example. Ask your family members to think of times God helped them, and write those too. Post the list where everyone can find it, and ask everyone to look at the list when he or she feels like complaining. The list can help you and your family remember to trust God and to be thankful when you feel like complaining.
