Dear families,
One of God’s good gifts to us is the way He uses the most unexpected people in the most unexpected ways. We’ve all probably seen this happen at times. A young man or woman that rises to prominence in his or her vocation, but no one saw it coming.
We see this in sports, in business, and other arenas. But in the kingdom of God, it’s not just something you might see occasionally; it’s standard.
Isaiah 55:9 says, “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God has been in the business of bringing about surprising stories of unsung heroes since the beginning of time. In 1 Samuel 16, we find one more example of this. God chose to use David, a young boy with a shepherd staff and some musical ability, to lead Israel in a time of desperation.
Do you ever find yourself trying to hone the skills that God has used in others in hopes that He might use you too? Have you ever wished you were wired or gifted differently so you could do something specific for the Lord? Rest assured, God is not interested in only a specific set of gifts or a particular personality type. God desires to use you just the way He made you.
Find comfort in knowing that He didn’t mess up when He made you. He won’t waste a gift He has given you, and He wants you to grow in those ways so that at just the right time and in just the right way, your gifts can be used for His kingdom purposes.
Who would have thought that David’s ability to play the lyre would get him into Saul’s inner circle? God did. It was His plan all along. And it is His plan to use you in great ways too. He will not waste the gifts He’s given you. Be open and willing to serve Him for His glory and your joy.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is the perfect King.
Younger Preschool: People were surprised God chose David to be Israel’s next king. When Jesus came to earth, He seemed like a surprising choice for a king. Jesus is the perfect King who saves us from our sin.
Older Preschool: God’s choice of David to be Israel’s next king was surprising. David was the youngest in his family, but God saw David’s heart for the Lord. When Jesus came to earth, He seemed like a surprising choice for a king. Jesus is the perfect King who saves us from our sin and reigns forever.
Kids: Samuel anointed David, setting him apart to be the next king. God’s choice for Israel’s king was surprising; David was the youngest in his family, but God saw David’s heart for the Lord. When Jesus came to earth, He seemed like a surprising choice for a king. Jesus is the perfect King who saves us from our sin and reigns forever.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: What is grace? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it.
Older Preschool: What is grace? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it.
Kids: What is grace? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: God forgives our wrong choices. Ephesians 1:7
Younger Preschool: God forgives our wrong choices. Ephesians 1:7
Older Preschool: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7
Kids: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8
** Next week: David Fought Goliath (1 Samuel 17)