(Supplies: If you don’t have material for tails, simply have the children give a gentle tap to the back of the person in front of them.)

1. Form groups in a circle, holding hands and facing the back of the person on your right.
2. Distribute fabric strips or strings to each player, which will serve as their “tails.” Players can tuck the tail into their clothing or tie it around their waist.
3. Players will run in a circle, attempting to grab the tail of the person directly in front of them.
4. Simultaneously, players need to protect their own tails from being grabbed by the person behind them.
5. If a player successfully grabs another player’s tail, they’re still in the game. If a player loses their tail, they’re out of the game.
6. The leader will call “Stop,” and players will check if they still have their tails.
7. Players who still have their tails are declared winners for that round.

THE CIRCUMSTANCE
The waters of the Sea of Galilee were both loud and unsettling. The disciples, having witnessed the miracles and teachings of Jesus, found themselves aboard a boat, leaving behind a multitude Jesus had just dismissed. The journey was to the other side of the sea, but the wind and waves had different plans. The boat, a small vessel in the vast expanse, was tossed by the tempestuous waves, a testament to the power of nature.

THE CHOICE  (Matthew 14:22-29)
As the disciples grappled with the relentless waves, their eyes caught sight of a figure approaching them. Walking on the water was Jesus Himself. Their initial shock gave way to fear—was this a ghost? Yet, His familiar voice shattered their apprehension, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” In the midst of the storm, Jesus was present. Peter, his heart stirred by faith and curiosity, shouted to Jesus over the roar of the wind, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus’ response was a simple, “Come.” With courage bolstered by the Savior’s call, Peter stepped onto the water, defying the laws of nature. But as the winds howled louder and the waves grew taller, doubt seeped in.
How often do we stand at the edge of faith, teetering on the precipice of doubt? When life’s storms rage, do we hear Jesus’ call and take that first step of faith? A reflection arises: In moments of uncertainty, when the storms threaten to drown our hopes, are we willing to step out onto the unknown waters of faith? And when the winds of doubt blow, do we cling to Jesus’ voice, beckoning us to walk with Him? (Matthew 14:22-29)

THE CONSEQUENCE
As Peter walked toward Jesus, his focus shifted from the Savior to the storm around him. Fear engulfed him, and he began to sink. With desperation, he cried, “Lord, save me!” Instantly, Jesus reached out, His grip unwavering. In that instant, two paths emerged—one of sinking despair and another of rescuing grace. Jesus posed a question that resonates across time, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” As they climbed back into the boat, the wind hushed, the waves stilled.
A moment of awe ensued as the disciples gazed at Jesus, their faith deepened by His divine intervention. In this history, a lesson is woven: Doubt and faith often stand side by side. Yet, Jesus is ever-present, ready to lift us from the depths when doubt threatens to overcome. 

THE LIFE LESSON  (Matthew 14:30-33)
Reflecting on this history, we find parallels in our lives. When we choose doubt over faith, we may find ourselves sinking. But when we cry out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus extends His hand, affirming His constant presence amidst life’s storms. The consequence of choosing faith is not just rescue from sinking but also a deeper understanding of Jesus’ unwavering love and power. (Matthew 14:30-33)