God Hears and Moves – Let’s Ask for Eyes to See
When we teach kids about prayer, we hope they’ll understand that God always hears us, even if He doesn’t answer right away. Jenny Smith, Awana curriculum and content developer, shares a story this month of how God not only hears us; sometimes He surprises us!
Two summers ago I unexpectedly became the lead chaperone for student summer camp. Our group was assigned a unique missions task. We were challenged to connect with families and share the Gospel as opportunities arose at a local park. Our teenagers spent the morning playing kickball, painting faces and pushing swings. That night they shared multiple stories about Gospel conversations. There was great excitement about returning the next day.
Imagine their disappointment the next day when there was not a kid or a family to be found. The park was completely empty. The eighth-grade boys looked at me and asked, “Now what?”
“Go walk around the park and pray for God to send kids,” I said. After rolling their eyes, they headed off and did what I asked.
As soon as they looped back around to where I was standing, three vans pulled up and dozens of kids piled out. A local daycare had decided to take a field trip. I will never forget the look in the eyes of those eighth-grade boys when they saw those kids run onto the playground.
“Mrs. Jenny,” one said. “We have always heard about God answering prayer. I’ve never seen Him do it immediately like that.”
God always hears us. He is always moving. Sometimes He lets us see what He’s doing. In 2 Kings 6, Elisha is outnumbered and his servant is afraid. Verse 17 says: Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As we pray, let’s ask Him for eyes to see how He’s moving and what He’s doing.
God is on the move in Awana, and your prayers are needed. Please download the Awana monthly prayer calendar to join us in lifiting up praises and petitions to God for clubs and leaders around the world. Thank you
The Awana Editorial team is a group of people passionate about child discipleship and the equipping of leaders for the advancement of the kingdom. We have a breadth of experience in children’s ministry, and our heart beats with the stories of what God is doing around the world. We have an affinity for salty snacks and the occasional sweet treat, and we believe that everything is better with a good cup of coffee!
