Day 1
Faith Fact
I can trust God while I'm waiting.
Faith Verse
"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:19
Read:
Why should you trust God while you are waiting?
John 11:1–7, 20–27
When we read this story, it would be easy for us to ask why Jesus waited to go and see Lazarus when he was sick. But Jesus knew what He was doing. Even though Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, He made them wait. He finally went to be with them after Lazarus had died. Jesus asked Martha if she believed He was who He said He was. Jesus was basically asking Martha if she trusted Him.
It’s easy to sometimes doubt God’s timing when we don’t understand what He’s doing. Sometimes, we have ideas in our head as to how we think our story should play out. Then when God does something different, we can be tempted to become impatient, angry, and even bitter toward God. It’s important for us to wait well. It’s normal to have questions for God because we don’t understand why something is happening, But it’s important to remember that He knows what is best and can be trusted. If He’s telling us to wait, He has a reason for it.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear God, sometimes it’s hard when my prayer isn’t answered the way I thought it would be, but I choose to trust You. I know that You are in control, and I choose to wait on You. Amen.
I can trust God while I'm waiting.
Faith Verse
"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:19
Read:
Why should you trust God while you are waiting?
John 11:1–7, 20–27
When we read this story, it would be easy for us to ask why Jesus waited to go and see Lazarus when he was sick. But Jesus knew what He was doing. Even though Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, He made them wait. He finally went to be with them after Lazarus had died. Jesus asked Martha if she believed He was who He said He was. Jesus was basically asking Martha if she trusted Him.
It’s easy to sometimes doubt God’s timing when we don’t understand what He’s doing. Sometimes, we have ideas in our head as to how we think our story should play out. Then when God does something different, we can be tempted to become impatient, angry, and even bitter toward God. It’s important for us to wait well. It’s normal to have questions for God because we don’t understand why something is happening, But it’s important to remember that He knows what is best and can be trusted. If He’s telling us to wait, He has a reason for it.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. Why did Mary and Martha want Jesus to come to their home?
Answer 1. They wanted Jesus to come and heal Lazarus. (John 11:3) - Question 2. What happened to Lazarus while Jesus was waiting to go their house?
Answer 2. He died. (John 11:21) - Question 3. Why do you think Jesus waited for several days to go to their house?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. When we have questions for God about things we don’t understand, what should we also remember?
Answer 4. He knows what is best and can be trusted. - Question 5. How do you think Martha felt when her brother died before Jesus arrived?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear God, sometimes it’s hard when my prayer isn’t answered the way I thought it would be, but I choose to trust You. I know that You are in control, and I choose to wait on You. Amen.
Day 2
Faith Fact
I can trust God while I'm waiting.
Faith Verse
"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:19
Read:
How does God help us stay strong?
Isaiah 40:28–31
Have you ever used an electronic device and noticed that the batteries were slowly dying? Some, like electric toothbrushes or remote control cars, get slower as the batteries get weaker. If you use the device until the batteries are dead, you may be really surprised how powerful it is when you put in new, strong batteries. Stronger batteries make a big difference.
The Bible promises us that those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. It’s not always easy for us to trust God, but trusting Him means that He will give us the strength we need exactly when we need it. The Creator of all the universe knows every detail of our life. He knows the difficult times we go through, and He sees our heart. When we go to Him, even in the middle of our frustration, He will help us.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear God, when I feel weak and powerless, it’s good to know that You never get weak. You have more power than I could ever need or imagine. Thank You for the power and strength You have already given to me. Please provide the strength I need for every new challenge I’ll face. I trust You. Amen.
I can trust God while I'm waiting.
Faith Verse
"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:19
Read:
How does God help us stay strong?
Isaiah 40:28–31
Have you ever used an electronic device and noticed that the batteries were slowly dying? Some, like electric toothbrushes or remote control cars, get slower as the batteries get weaker. If you use the device until the batteries are dead, you may be really surprised how powerful it is when you put in new, strong batteries. Stronger batteries make a big difference.
The Bible promises us that those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. It’s not always easy for us to trust God, but trusting Him means that He will give us the strength we need exactly when we need it. The Creator of all the universe knows every detail of our life. He knows the difficult times we go through, and He sees our heart. When we go to Him, even in the middle of our frustration, He will help us.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. How do these Bible verses describe God?
Answer 1. The everlasting God, Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary, and no one can measure the depths of His understanding. (Isaiah 40:28) - Question 2. According to these verses, what are some things God can give us?
Answer 2. He gives power and new strength. (Isaiah 40:29, 31) - Question 3. How can life sometimes make us tired?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. How does it feel to know that God has strength to give us when we’re weak? Why?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. In what area of life do you need more strength from God?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear God, when I feel weak and powerless, it’s good to know that You never get weak. You have more power than I could ever need or imagine. Thank You for the power and strength You have already given to me. Please provide the strength I need for every new challenge I’ll face. I trust You. Amen.
Day 3
Faith Fact
I can trust God while I'm waiting.
Faith Verse
"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:19
Read:
How can enduring troubles help me in the future?
James 1:2–4
Good things can come from enduring tough times. Sports team members have to endure intense practices to get in and stay in shape. Through running, lifting weights, and other exercises, they prepare for upcoming seasons. Sometimes, some athletes quit. But those who endure through the exercises get into the physical shape needed to compete in their sport. Keeping up the challenging workouts means that they come out better in the end.
Sometimes, God allows us to endure challenges and troubles in life, too. In those times, we learn to trust Him more. Our faith in God can grow through those problems. We don’t always know God’s reasons for letting us go through rough times. But we can trust that when we follow Him, we will grow in our relationship with God and be better for it in the end.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear God, I know that even when I’m going through hard times, You are still with me. Help me to endure so that I can grow into the person You want me to be. Amen.
I can trust God while I'm waiting.
Faith Verse
"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:19
Read:
How can enduring troubles help me in the future?
James 1:2–4
Good things can come from enduring tough times. Sports team members have to endure intense practices to get in and stay in shape. Through running, lifting weights, and other exercises, they prepare for upcoming seasons. Sometimes, some athletes quit. But those who endure through the exercises get into the physical shape needed to compete in their sport. Keeping up the challenging workouts means that they come out better in the end.
Sometimes, God allows us to endure challenges and troubles in life, too. In those times, we learn to trust Him more. Our faith in God can grow through those problems. We don’t always know God’s reasons for letting us go through rough times. But we can trust that when we follow Him, we will grow in our relationship with God and be better for it in the end.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. When we face troubles, what do these verses say we can feel?
Answer 1. Joy (James 1:2) - Question 2. According to the verses we read, when our faith is tested, what has a chance to grow?
Answer 2. Our endurance (James 1:3) - Question 3. Why do some people give up trusting God in challenging times instead of enduring?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. Why is it important that we trust God even in tough times?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. How can enduring troubles help me in the future?
Answer 5. Our faith in God can grow. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear God, I know that even when I’m going through hard times, You are still with me. Help me to endure so that I can grow into the person You want me to be. Amen.
Day 4
Faith Fact
I can trust God while I'm waiting.
Faith Verse
"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:19
Read:
Why should we not doubt God's timing?
John 11:28–45
Can you imagine what it might have been like to be there on the day that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead? Mary and Martha were sad because of their brother’s death. They had been waiting on Jesus to get there. Some people there said things like, “Well, Jesus healed a blind man. If He had been here, couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” The place was filled with sadness and doubt. Even though Jesus didn’t come when people thought He should, He had a plan. He wanted people to see the glory of God. Imagine the reaction people must have had when they saw Lazarus walk out of the tomb alive!
When we remember, there are times that God has done things for us that only He can do. There are times when we’ve had pain and sadness, and God has shown up to help us. Even though He may work in a different way this time, we can trust His timing and His ability to solve our problems. He has always been faithful to us, and He won’t stop.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for always being faithful. I know that You have never failed me. Help me to trust Your timing and however You decide to work in my life. Amen.
I can trust God while I'm waiting.
Faith Verse
"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:19
Read:
Why should we not doubt God's timing?
John 11:28–45
Can you imagine what it might have been like to be there on the day that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead? Mary and Martha were sad because of their brother’s death. They had been waiting on Jesus to get there. Some people there said things like, “Well, Jesus healed a blind man. If He had been here, couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” The place was filled with sadness and doubt. Even though Jesus didn’t come when people thought He should, He had a plan. He wanted people to see the glory of God. Imagine the reaction people must have had when they saw Lazarus walk out of the tomb alive!
When we remember, there are times that God has done things for us that only He can do. There are times when we’ve had pain and sadness, and God has shown up to help us. Even though He may work in a different way this time, we can trust His timing and His ability to solve our problems. He has always been faithful to us, and He won’t stop.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. What did Jesus tell the people to do at Lazarus’s tomb?
Answer 1. He told them to move the stone out of the way. (John 11:39) - Question 2. What happened when Jesus shouted for Lazarus to come out?
Answer 2. Lazarus came out of the tomb alive. (John 11:44) - Question 3. When has God helped you in the past?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. How can remembering what God has done in our past help us to trust His timing for a problem we are having now?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. Why should we not doubt God’s timing?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for always being faithful. I know that You have never failed me. Help me to trust Your timing and however You decide to work in my life. Amen.