In this lesson, children learn that when we trust God, He is faithful to help us, even when we feel outnumbered. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, and when we rely on Him, He helps us win even when the odds look impossible. Trusting God is always the right choice.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 13:18
Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall with both arms raised, then bring their hands together in front of their chests like they are praying. Say the verse together while holding that prayer pose. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 13 for Kids
A king named Abijah ruled over the people of Judah. Across the valley, a king named Jeroboam led the people of Israel. Jeroboam had a much bigger army than Abijah did. He had eight hundred thousand soldiers, and Abijah had only four hundred thousand.
Abijah climbed up a hill and called out to the whole army of Israel. He reminded them that God had promised the kingdom to David and his sons forever. He told them that Jeroboam had turned away from God and made golden calves to worship. Abijah said, “Do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not win.”
Jeroboam was sneaky. He sent some of his soldiers around behind Judah’s army, so the men of Judah were surrounded on both sides. They were trapped. Think about how scared that must have felt. But the men of Judah did not give up. They cried out to God, and the priests blew their trumpets.
Then the men of Judah gave a loud shout. God defeated Jeroboam and his army right in front of Abijah and Judah. The soldiers of Israel ran away, and Judah won the battle. The people of Judah won because they trusted in the LORD, the God of their fathers.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 13:14
When Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried to the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.
(WEB)
Point out that the men of Judah were surrounded, with danger in front and behind them. Ask the children what they think the men did next. Show them that the first thing they did was cry out to God, even before they knew how the battle would end.
2 Chronicles 13:15
Then the men of Judah gave a shout. As the men of Judah shouted, God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
(WEB)
Point out the shout the men of Judah gave. Explain that their shout was a sign of trust, because they were believing that God would fight for them. Help the children see that God is the one who won the battle, not the soldiers alone.
2 Chronicles 13:20
Jeroboam didn’t recover strength again in the days of Abijah. The LORD struck him, and he died.
(WEB)
Point out that Jeroboam never recovered his strength after this battle. Explain that God did this, and that God’s power is greater than any army. Remind the children that God always keeps His word, just as He did for David’s family.
Talk About It
- How do you think the men of Judah felt when they were surrounded by enemies?
- What did the men of Judah do when they were scared, and why was that a good choice?
- Why do you think Abijah reminded the people of Israel about God’s promise to David?
- When is a time you felt like you were outnumbered or needed help? What could you remember about God then?
- How can you show that you trust God in your everyday life at home or at school?
Activity Ideas
Trumpet Craft
You will need paper towel tubes, colored paper, tape, markers, and string. Have each child decorate a paper towel tube with markers and colored paper to look like a trumpet. Tape a long piece of string to the end so they can wear it around their neck. As they make their trumpets, talk about how the priests blew trumpets while the people of Judah prayed.
Surrounded but Safe Game
You will need a large open room or outdoor space and a few soft balls or rolled-up socks. Have the children form a circle, and one child stands in the middle as the “king” of Judah. Other children gently toss the balls toward the middle, and the king must stay steady and call out “God is with us!” each time. Switch roles so everyone gets a turn.
Trust Reminder Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a small ribbon or yarn. Have each child write “God is with us” on one side of the card and draw a picture of something that reminds them of God’s help on the other side. Punch a hole in the top and tie on the yarn so they can hang it on their bedroom door or in the car. Encourage them to read it when they feel worried.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God keeps His covenant with David’s line and that He gives victory to those who rely on Him, not to those with the biggest armies. The story reminds us that trust in God, expressed through prayer and faithful worship, is the true source of strength in hard times. Adults can see that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our circumstances.
Avoid suggesting to children that trusting God always guarantees a win in every battle or hard situation. The chapter describes one specific victory with its own history, and children may feel confused or discouraged if they believe prayer will always produce the outcome they want. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and His presence with us.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You keep Your promises and that You are always with us. When we feel surrounded or scared, help us to cry out to You and trust You to help us. Help us to remember that You are stronger than anything we face. Amen.
