YEA Lesson Library
Wait For The Lord
About This Lesson
Using the negative example of the people asking for a king, this lesson teaches the student to trust God and wait on Him to act.
Scriptures
Joshua 24:15
1 Samuel 8:6-9
1 Samuel 9:1-10:1
1 Samuel 11:15
1 Samuel 12:14
1 Samuel 12:20
1 Samuel 15:11
Psalm 37:7
Psalm 37:34
Psalm 106:12-13
Romans 12:2
Words to Know
ACT - to do something
PATIENT - to wait without complaining
The Lesson
Samuel grew up loving God and serving Him. He talked to God about the Israelites. And God told Samuel what He wanted the people to do. When Samuel got old he said his sons would lead the Israelites. But the people didn’t want Samuel’s sons to lead them. Samuel’s sons were doing some bad things.
The Israelites saw that other countries had kings. They wanted a king, too. They wanted to choose their own leader. They didn’t want to do things God’s way. So God let them have a king.
The Israelites were fighting their enemies, the Philistines. They needed someone to help and lead them. God told Samuel about a man named Saul. God said to make Saul king over the Israelites. He was a tall, good-looking man.
God did some great things for His people. He led them out of Egypt. He opened up a dry path through the sea so His people could cross. He fed them in the desert. He gave them water to drink. God helped them fight their enemies. But the Israelites disobeyed God.
God promises to be with people who love Him. He gives us what we need. He answers our prayers. But sometimes we have to wait for God’s time. God doesn’t get in a hurry. He does things when the time is right. God knows what is best for us. And He will give it to us at the right time. So, “Be still.” Listen to what God says in the Bible. “Be patient.” Don’t get in a big hurry to have things right now. And, “Wait for the Lord to act.” Don’t do things your own way.
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Psalm 37:34
Monday - Psalm 106:12-13
Tuesday - Romans 12:2
Wednesday - 1 Samuel 12:14
Thursday - 1 Samuel 12:20
Friday - 1 Samuel 15:11
Saturday - Joshua 24:15
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. Tell why the Israelites wanted a king.
2. State that they turned their backs on God.
3. Explain that God knows what is best for us and we should wait for Him to act.
Topics & Themes
King
Samuel
Saul
Trusting God
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students’ and Teacher’s books, attendance and memory verse charts, stickers, music player and CD or tape, songbook, large towel or piece of plush fabric, construction paper, paper towel tube, Styrofoam ball, foil, glitter glue, large sequins, tape or stapler
Preparation
“Words are a legitimate part of our teaching. Bible words and other words important to Christian life are basic – words like obey, wise, love, good, bad; words like God, Jesus, Bible, Noah, Peter. We should be teaching them and letting children grow up with them. To do otherwise is to abandon our children to TV monsters, Coca-Cola, and Pooh Bear until they are older and can think better and can learn our words more quickly” (Teaching Preschoolers by Ruth Beechick).
Explaining the meaning of the words in the Memory Verse is essential. Unless the children understand what the words mean, the verse will not have an impact on their lives. They will simply be parroting words. To teach or review today’s verse, first use the explanation found at the end of the lesson in the Students’ book. Start with the children standing and do the following motions: “Be still. (Put index finger to lips.) Be patient. (Put your thumbnail on your chin and drag it downward about 2 inches.) Wait for the Lord to act. (Wait: hands up, fingers spread, bounce slightly twice at waist level; God: ASL sign for God: “B” hand moved vertically downward from head level to chest level - “Self-existent One; Act: Both hands move simultaneously. When the right hand is up, the left hand is down. When the right hand is back the left hand is forward. (The movement is similar to pedaling a bicycle backwards.).” (https://www.signasl.org or https://www.lifeprint.com)
Before you come to class, make a paper crown and decorate it with glitter and sequins, or you can buy an inexpensive crown at a Dollar Store. A large towel or piece of plush fabric can be used for a cape, and a scepter can be made by hot gluing a styrofoam ball to the end of a paper towel tube. Cover the scepter with foil. Make enough crown patterns (See Pattern Page) on yellow construction paper for each child. You may want to cut them out ahead of time for the young children.
Review Questions
Have Tiny ask the questions.
1. Why didn’t the Israelites want Samuel’s sons to lead them?
2. Why did they want a king?
3. Who did they disobey?
4. Who knows what’s best for you, God or you?
5. When God doesn’t give you what you want as soon as you ask for it, what should you do?
Teacher-Directed Activity
Give each child two sections of the crown. Have them decorate the crowns using markers, glitter glue and sequins. Staple or tape the two pieces together to fit the child’s head.
REACH Activity
Letter: S
Words: Samuel, serving, said, sons, saw, Saul, sea, sometimes, so, says
Sentence: SAMUEL SERVED GOD BUT SAMUEL’S SONS DID BAD THINGS.
Song
“O Be Careful Little Eyes” is on page 39 of Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
You know what is best for me. Help me listen to what You say in Your Word. Help me not want things my own way, but wait for You to do things in your time and in Your way.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Printable Pages
