This lesson teaches children that God wants us to trust Him first, even when it seems like another friend could help us more. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we need help, we ask God first, because He is always strong enough to help us and always faithful to keep His promises.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 16:9
For the LORD’s eyes run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. You have done foolishly in this; for from now on you will have wars.”
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands in front of their eyes like binoculars, then slowly sweep them left and right as if looking all around the room. Explain that God sees everything everywhere, and say the verse together while you move your hands.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 16 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a good king named Asa who ruled the land of Judah. For many years, Asa had trusted God and led his people in doing what was right. But one day, a wicked king named Baasha from the land of Israel decided to build a wall that blocked people from traveling to Judah.
Asa did not ask God what to do. Instead, he took silver and gold from the Temple and from his own palace, and he sent it to a king named Ben Hadad, who lived far away in Syria. Asa said, “Let us make a deal. Please break your agreement with Baasha so that he will leave us alone.”
King Ben Hadad took the gold and silver and attacked the cities of Israel. Baasha heard about the attack and stopped building his wall. Asa was pleased, and he used the stones from Baasha’s wall to build his own towns. It looked like Asa’s plan had worked.
But God sent a prophet named Hanani to speak to Asa. Hanani said, “You relied on the king of Syria instead of relying on the LORD your God. You had a great army to trust in God, and He helped you before. Now you will have wars from this time on.” Asa was not happy to hear this message.
Asa became angry, and he put the prophet Hanani in prison. Later in his life, Asa became sick in his feet. Even though he was very sick, he still did not ask God for help. He only went to the doctors. Asa died after reigning for many years, and he was buried in the city of David.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 16:7
At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the LORD your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped out of your hand.
(WEB)
Point out that Hanani said Asa had relied on the king of Syria rather than on the LORD. Ask children who they usually turn to first when they feel scared or need something.
2 Chronicles 16:8
Weren’t the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge army, with chariots and horsemen exceeding many? Yet, because you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand.
(WEB)
Show children how God helped Judah win against a much larger army because they trusted Him. Explain that God’s help is always stronger than any army or gold.
2 Chronicles 16:12
In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa was diseased in his feet. His disease was exceedingly great: yet in his disease he didn’t seek the LORD, but just the physicians.
(WEB)
Point out that Asa went to doctors when he was sick but did not ask God for help. Ask children what it means to pray about big and small problems.
Talk About It
- What did King Asa do when he had a problem, and who did he ask for help first?
- How do you think King Asa felt when the prophet Hanani told him his plan was wrong?
- Why is it important to ask God for help before we try to fix a problem on our own?
- What is one problem you have had lately that you could bring to God in prayer?
- How can you remind yourself to trust God when you feel worried or unsure?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Watchful Eyes Craft
You will need a paper plate, crayons or markers, and a craft stick or popsicle stick. Have children draw a large pair of eyes on the plate, then tape or glue it to the stick so it becomes a puppet. As they hold it up, talk about how God’s eyes see everything and watch over us.
Follow the Leader Trust Game
Clear a space in the room and have children stand in a line. Ask one child to close their eyes while another gently guides them around safe obstacles like chairs. Explain that trusting a friend is a small picture of trusting God, who always guides us safely.
Trust Box Take-Home Idea
Give each child a small empty box or envelope and a few slips of paper. Ask them to write one worry on a slip, then place it in the box at home as a reminder to pray about it. Encourage families to open the box together each week and thank God for His help.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that human plans and alliances can seem wise but can also pull our hearts away from God. Asa was a good king who made a serious mistake when he relied on his own strategy rather than on the LORD. The passage reminds us that God’s eyes are always watching over those who trust Him.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always give them what they ask for or that being sick is a punishment for not praying. Keep the focus on trusting God and seeking Him in every situation, without promising specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we want to trust You with everything we have. When we feel scared or unsure, help us come to You first and ask for Your help. Thank You for seeing us and caring for us every day. Amen.
