In this lesson, children learn that when they are scared, they can pray to God and trust that He will help them, just like King Jehoshaphat did. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Use the story, the memory verse, and the activities to help children remember that God is always with them.
Big Idea
When we feel scared, we can pray to God and trust Him, because the battle belongs to Him. God is strong, and He takes care of His people even when things look hard.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, king Jehoshaphat. The LORD says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
(WEB)
Teach children to put both hands on their heads, then slowly lower them to their hearts as they say the words. Then have them lift their arms high like they are holding up a shield, which reminds them that God protects us.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 20 for Kids
One day, a huge army came to attack the people of Judah. The army was made of men from Moab, Ammon, and other nearby groups. King Jehoshaphat was very worried. He knew his people could not win this fight by themselves.
So King Jehoshaphat did something wise. He called everyone in Judah together, even the little children and the wives. They all stood together in the Lord’s house and prayed. The king said, “Lord, we have no power against this big army. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
Then God sent a man named Jahaziel to speak to the crowd. He told them not to be afraid. He said, “The battle is not yours. It is God’s. You will not even need to fight. Just stand still and see what the Lord will do.”
The next morning, the people got ready to go out. Jehoshaphat told them to believe in God. He asked singers to go out in front of the army and sing praises to the Lord. As they began to sing and praise, God caused the enemy armies to start fighting each other. By the time Judah arrived, the enemies were all gone.
The people of Judah spent three days collecting treasure from their defeated enemies. On the fourth day, they gathered in a valley and thanked God. They named that place Beracah Valley, which means “blessing,” to remember what God had done. Then they went home to Jerusalem with joy, playing harps and trumpets.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 20:3-4
3 Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to the LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 Judah gathered themselves together to seek help from the LORD. They came out of all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that Jehoshaphat did not panic or run away. He stopped and asked everyone to seek help from the Lord together. Ask children what they might do when they feel worried.
2 Chronicles 20:12
Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
(WEB)
Show children how honest the king was with God. He said, “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Explain that it is okay to tell God when we do not know the answer.
2 Chronicles 20:21
When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD, and give praise in holy array, as they go out before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD; for his loving kindness endures forever.”
(WEB)
Point out that the singers went out first, praising God before the battle even started. Talk about how praise can help us remember that God is bigger than our fears.
Talk About It
- What did King Jehoshaphat do when he heard about the big army?
- Why do you think the king asked everyone, even the children, to pray together?
- What did God tell the people not to be afraid of?
- Why do you think the singers went out before the army?
- What is one thing that makes you feel scared, and how can you pray about it this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, markers, crayons, and tape or a craft stick. Have children draw a picture of God on one side of the plate, or write the words “God is my shield.” Tape a craft stick to the back so they can hold it up. Let them use the shield to act out the memory verse, reminding them that God protects them like a shield.
Stand Still and See Game
Play a version of freeze tag. Choose one child to be the leader who calls out “Stand still!” Everyone else must freeze, while the leader gives silly commands to tempt them to move. Explain that when we feel scared, we can stop and remember that God is with us. Repeat a few times and then end by singing a simple praise song together.
Beracah Blessing Jar
You will need a clear jar, slips of paper, and a pen. Each day for a week, have your child write one blessing or answered prayer on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and read the blessings aloud. This helps children see how God blesses them regularly, just as He blessed Judah.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people are not defeated by fear when they turn to Him in prayer and trust His promises. Jehoshaphat’s response is a model of humble, honest dependence on God, and the victory comes from God’s action rather than human strength alone.
When teaching children, be careful not to suggest that God will always make our hard situations disappear the moment we pray. Instead, emphasize that God is faithful and strong, and that He is always with us whatever happens.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank You that You are stronger than anything that scares us. Help us to stop and pray when we feel worried, and to trust that the battle belongs to You. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
