When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!

Jesus Calms the Storm

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

Mark 4:35-41

Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.

Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don’t you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.

Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.

When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.

Questions to think about:

1. What storm are you facing?
2. What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?
3. Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.

Have you ever wondered who made everything? God did! That's why God loves you so much, because He made you! Let's hear about from our friends.

thing just for you to enjoy this Bible story for yourself. We encourage you to read over this devotional sometime this week as a way to reflect on the Bible story your child saw from Church at Home. We love you!

Download

Elementary Activity Sheets

Each week we have a variety of activity pages to help your child remember the week’s lesson. They include new coloring pages and activity sheets to enjoy!

Download

Navigating Parenthood

Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this Two-Minute Tip, The Universal Talk, all about communicating your child’s value as someone created by God.

Download

Who is in Kelby's treasure chest this week? Kelby, Arlo, and Tilly all learn about an amazing woman named Esther this week! Come along with us to Happy Harbor to pop some bubbles, ride the Bible train, and hear an amazing story all about God's love.
Esther

Hey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week’s lesson about Esther with your child after they’ve watched the video service!

1. Who was today's Bible story about?
   Esther. God made Esther and she loved God.
2. What did Esther wear on her head?
   A crown! The crown showed everyone that Esther was a queen.
3. One day, she heard someone was going to do something bad. Uh oh! Did Esther stop the bad thing from happening?
   Yes! She stopped the bad plan. Shake your head “no” because the plan was not good.
4. Esther had to do something brave and tell the king to stop the bad plan. Can you be brave, too?
   Yes! God helps us be brave. Show me your strong arms because God made us to do good and brave things.
5. Take some time to pray with your toddler. Encourage your toddler to sit with you and fold their hands, saying something like:
   God, thank you for loving us and wanting to be our friend. Thank you for making us. Help us do good things and be brave like Esther! We love you! Amen.

Parent Encouragement - Esther

Hey parents! Here's something for you to be encouraged by and get ideas to bring this Bible story into your everyday conversation with your child at home!

Download

Toddler Craft – Esther Character Stick

In this craft, your toddler will create their own Esther Character Stick to remind them of the main character from the Bible story. God made Esther, and God made them!

Download

Toddler Activity – Talk Like Esther

In this activity, your toddler will bring the craft they made to life. They will practice saying and doing things with their Esther Character Stick to remember this Bible story about Esther.

Download

Toddler Coloring Page - Esther

We have a variety of coloring pages to help your child remember familiar faces from this month’s lesson!

Download

Navigating Parenthood - Esther

Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this blog post all about how to foster healthy obedience in our children that comes from a place of love and respect rather than rules they follow out of obligation

Download

At Saddleback Kids we believe every kid should be known, connected, equipped and empowered. KNOWN by another kid and a leader. CONNECTED to a group where they can grow spiritually. EQUIPPED with the tools and the knowledge to develop a strong faith in Jesus. EMPOWERED to serve others and share Jesus in the world.

To sum it up, Saddleback Kids exists to connect kids to God and others while helping them live a purpose driven life.