Why Do We Suffer

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Why Do We Suffer / Job 1:1-5; 1:6-22; 2:1-10; 3:1-26; 42:7-17

Bible Truth: When Suffering comes into the lives of Christians. We are to stay true to the One True God

“Are you ready for the Joy of Discovery? Unlock the One Main Truth: It’s an adventure in the Game, a revelation in the Bible, and it will transform your Life. Let’s take one step closer to becoming a Champion for Eternity!”

In the Game: “The Game Was Like an Endurance Test” 
In the Bible: “God allowed Job to be Tested and Challenged Yet Job Never Denied God” 
In Your Life: “You May Face Challenges Yet Never Deny the One True God”

1 GAME EXPERIENCE: Keep Running

“Boys & girls, let’s play a game and have fun!“

  1. Divide into Groups: If you have more than 20 children, split into multiple groups of 20. Have children form a circle by holding hands and moving outward. As you do this, take three steps outward to make the circle bigger. Everyone should be facing the back of the child to their right. This step is important for making the game more challenging.
  2. Explain the Game: Tell the children that they will run around the large circle you’ve created. Their goal is to tag the player’s back who is in front of them.
  3. Tag and Eliminate: When a player is tagged on their back, they are out of the game and need to move off to the side.
  4. Play Until 4 Players Left: Keep playing the game until only four players remain. These four players will be declared the winners of the game.
  5. Challenge Increases: Note that as the game goes on, players may become tired, and it will get more challenging to tag the players’ backs because the circle will have fewer participants.
  6. [Important: Play many rounds of this game today to have children become very tired, this is a challenging game for a challenging Bible lesson].

2 BIBLE DISCOVERIES: Gospel & Truth - Job 1:1-5; 1:6-22; 2:1-10; 3:1-26; 42:7-17

 “Boys & girls, listen carefully. Can you uncover today’s powerful Bible Discovery? Ready?”

THE CIRCUMSTANCE

In the ancient land of Uz, there lived a man named Job. He was known far and wide for his righteousness and integrity. Job was a man of great wealth, possessing numerous flocks, herds, and servants. He was blessed with ten children and a heart filled with reverence for God. Job’s life was marked by his devotion to God and his commitment to righteousness.

THE CHOICE (Job 2:1-10).
Children as I tell the story let’s count how many different things Job lost. I will hold up a finger when I come to each one. Can you keep track of how many? However, the circumstances of Job’s life were about to take an unexpected turn. Satan went before God all mighty and said, “You have blessed the works of Job’s hands, and his possessions have increased in the land”. God told Satan that all Job had was in his power, but do not hurt his body”. (Job 1: 10-12) Job was not aware a conversation took place in the heavenly realms between God and Satan. Satan wanted to test Job’s faith and truthfulness, suggesting that he only served God because of his prosperity. God allowed Satan to test Job’s faith, and one by one, calamities befell Job. His livestock was stolen (1), his servants were slain (2), and a powerful wind destroyed the house (3)and his children (4) where they were gathered. Despite these devastating losses, Job fell to the ground and worshiped, acknowledging the Lord’s sovereignty. He did not sin with his lips. As if these trials were not enough, Satan came before the Lord again, insisting that Job’s faith could not withstand personal suffering and pain. God permitted Satan to afflict Job’s body with painful sores all over his body (5). Even his wife urged him to curse God and die, but Job’s response was resolute (stand fast). He recognized that God is the giver of both blessings and trials. In his pain, Job did not sin with his words, maintaining his unwavering trust in God (Job 2:1-10). Boys and girls hold up your fingers for the number of times Job suffered. Did you say 1? No. Did you say 3? NO. What about 5? YES, YES! Great job.

THE CONSEQUENCE  (Job 42:7-17).
Job’s suffering reached a point where he could no longer contain his emotions. He poured out his heart, expressing his deep despair and questioning the purpose of his suffering. Despite his anguish, Job did not curse God, but he wrestled with why was suffering. (Job 3:1-26). Through it all Job kept believing in and trusting God. Children, remember God always answers our prayers with yes, no, or wait. In this case, Job had to wait a little while before God spoke to him.) In time, God did respond to Job’s prayers and his questions of why? Yes, in a wonderful way -God knows all- He knows what you’re going through even when it feels like nobody understands or sees us. God asked a series of questions that revealed His wisdom and power in the intricate (complex) workings of creation. Job was humbled and acknowledged his limited understanding before the Almighty. God also rebuked friends for their misguided explanations. Job, in his humility, prayed for his friends,demonstrating (showing) Christlike love even in the midst of his pain.In response to Job’s prayers, God restored his fortunes twofold. Job received doublethe livestock, wealth, and blessings he had lost. He was once again blessed with children, and his latter days were marked by prosperity, restoration, and the comforting
presence of God (Job 42:7-17).

“Boys & girls, what did we discover about God in this Bible History? (Coaches: answers will vary.) Let’s become great discoverers by asking some fun & challenging questions. Ready?”

3 LIFE CONNECTIONS: Connecting Jesus to Every Child

(1) Bible Truth Planted in MY HEART, Growing MY ATTITUDE

POWER WORDS:  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me.” Psalm 23:5 Bonus: “Even if God kills me, I’ll still put my hope in him.” Job 13:15a

(2) Bible Truth Rooted in MY MIND, Leading MY CHOICES

POWER QUESTIONS:

Game Questions:

  • How was the game played?
  • What parts of the game were easy for you? What parts were challenging?
  • In the game, did some of you feel like quitting because it got hard? Life got very hard for Job. Did he quit? (No)
    Boys & girls, that sounds a lot like what we just discovered in the Bible!”

Bible Questions:

  • Circumstance: Where did the history take place, and who was there?
  • Choice: What important decision did [name] have to make?
    Was it a good choice or a bad choice, and why do you think [name] made that choice?
  • Why do you think Job was so patient -why did he persevere- during his difficult trials?

Life Questions:

  • Circumstance: When have you (today or in the future) been in a similar situation as[name] in the Bible history? 
  • Choice: What would you do if you were in [name]’s situation? Have you ever faced a similar decision? What did you choose?
  • Sometimes we are hurt by other people, we can be bullied, or physically hurt. When that happens, what should we do? (Talk to our parents, a teacher at school or your GameLife leader and pray to Jesus for help).
    Boys & girls, we should always make the right choice that will please God, let us tell God what is in our hearts right now.

(3) Bible Truth Today Committed in MY SOUL, Inspiring MY ACTIONS

POWER PRAYER: Repeat After Me “Dear Jesus, when your enemy and my enemy, the fallen angel satan, brings evil and suffering into my life, strengthen me to always hope in you and never quit. God right now I want to ask you to work in this challenge I am going through…
*“***Boys & girls, let’s be still and quiet, open your heart to hear God’s whisper.***”
(Coach, wait at least 14 seconds, allowing God to connect to every child)
Boys and Girls, remember God always hears our prayers, God always answers our prayers in one of three ways: Yes, No, and in the Future.  We can always trust God to do what is right.

Ask the children what is their favorite worship song and then sing several worship songs with Strong & Powerful Worship Motions
(Click here for worship songs
“GameLife Strong & Powerful Worship Motions”)

Now, remember to share this truth,
practice this truth, and bring a friend back with you! Boys and girls, let’s go out as the
“Champions for Eternity” that God expects us to become!

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