This dynamite devotion and object lesson teaches kids that when
we're weak, Christ is strong. With this knowledge, why would any
Christian ever worry?
Verses to View: 2 Corinthians 12:9-12
Tricks of the Trade: You'll need a Bible, balloons, a black
permanent marker, straight pins, transparent tape, and a paper
towel with one end dipped in vegetable oil.
Devotion: Before class, blow up and tie off two balloons. Draw a
smiley face on one balloon and a sad face on the other. Now here is
the key to this slick trick: stick one two-inch piece of
transparent tape to the side of the happy-face balloon. Be sure the
tape is stuck tightly to the balloon!
Place the balloons, the paper towel with vegetable oil, and a
straight pin on a table. Hold up the sad-face balloon. Say:
I'd like you to meet Mr. Worried N. Weak. Mr. Worried N.
Weak has a lot of troubles, and he's sure no one can
help.
Ask:
- What are things that make you worried or
weak?
Hold up the straight pin. Say: Let's pretend this pin
represents all the things that make us feel weak with worry or fear
or sadness. What do you think will happen to Mr. Worried N. Weak
when trouble poke at him? Let kids tell you that Mr.
Worried N. Weak will pop, then hold the balloon away from your face
and stick it with the pin. Whammo! Mr. Worried N. Weak
explodes in a jillion pieces -- or at least feels like he's
exploded. What Mr. Worried N. Weak needs is someone to help keep
him strong and "unpoppable." Let's see if the Bible tells us who is
strong when we're weak.
Read aloud 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
- Who's our strength?
- How can we stay strong when we feel weak or fearful or
worried?
Say: When we allow Jesus to carry our troubles, we
become strong instead of weak -- and troubles can't make us
explode. Wipe the pin with vegetable oil. Then hold up the
happy-face balloon and gently push the pin through the center of
the tape. The balloon will not explode.
Say: Voila! When we give our weakness to Jesus, we're
unpoppable and unstoppable! See how happy Mr. Worried N. Weak is
now? But I think he needs a new name. Let younger kids
suggest names for the happy balloon.
Demostrate the trick once more using a new balloon, then explain
how it works. If you have time, allow the children to try it.
Remind children to use tape on the balloon to keep it from popping.
Then encourage the children to perform this devotion for family and
friends and to tell people that when we're weak. Jesus makes us
strong.
