This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises even when life feels scary and out of control. It is best for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Kids will hear how Paul stayed calm during a dangerous storm at sea because he trusted what God had told him.
Big Idea
God is with us in our storms, and He keeps His promises even when we are scared. We can cheer up because God is always in control.
Memory Verse
Acts 27:25
Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.
(WEB)
Have everyone sit tall, then stretch both arms up high like a sail catching the wind. Slowly bring your hands together in front of your heart while you say the words, one word at a time, and then give a big thumbs up.
The Story: Acts 27 for Kids
Paul was a prisoner, but he was still a friend of Jesus. He and some other prisoners were put on a big ship headed for Italy. A kind soldier named Julius was in charge of them. Julius let Paul visit his friends on the way, and that was a good thing.
The winds were strong and blew against the ship. The sailors had a hard time, and the trip took many days. Then they came to a place called Fair Havens. Paul warned the sailors that it was not a safe time to keep going. But the captain and the owner of the ship wanted to keep sailing, and Julius listened to them instead of Paul.
Soon a terrible storm came. The wind was so strong it pushed the ship far away from land. The sailors threw things overboard to make the ship lighter. For many days the sun and stars could not be seen. The people on board were very scared, and they felt there was no hope left.
Then Paul stood up in front of everyone. He said, “Cheer up! God sent an angel to tell me that no one will die, but the ship will be lost.” Paul trusted God completely, and he told everyone, “Do not be afraid.” He even reminded them that they would run aground on an island.
Paul asked everyone to eat some food, and he thanked God for it out loud. Then everyone felt braver and ate too. When morning came, the ship ran onto land, and the waves broke it apart. Just as God had said, every person on board got safely to shore.
Read It Together
Acts 27:21-22
21 When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them, and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss. 22 Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul first reminded the sailors why the danger came, and then he gave them hope. Ask the children what they notice about how Paul spoke to people who were scared.
Acts 27:23-24
23 For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
(WEB)
Show the children that God sent a message through an angel to tell Paul not to be afraid. Explain that Paul was not afraid because he knew God was with him.
Acts 27:44
And the rest should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. So they all escaped safely to the land.
(WEB)
Point out that everyone got to shore safely, just as God had promised. Remind the children that God kept His word, even when the ship was broken.
Talk About It
- What do you think Paul felt when the storm was blowing so hard?
- How did Paul help the other people on the ship feel better?
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and how can God help you with it?
- Why do you think Paul asked everyone to eat some food?
- What did you learn about God from how the story ended?
Activity Ideas
Paper Ship Storm Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child draw a ship on a big sheet of blue paper, then add dark clouds and waves around it. Ask them to draw a small bright star or sun somewhere in the picture to show that God is still there. Talk about the picture while the children color it.
Storm and Calm Game
Clear some open floor space for this movement game. When you say “storm,” the children wiggle and shake like waves. When you say “calm,” they stop, stand still, and put their hands on their hearts. Play several rounds, then end by saying, “God is with us, so we can be calm.”
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a sticker or a crayon. Write the words “God is with me” on the card and let the child decorate it. Encourage them to keep it in a pocket or on a nightstand. Ask them to read it aloud whenever they feel scared during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God keeps His promises even when circumstances look hopeless. Paul did not calm everyone by pretending the danger was small. He stayed faithful to what God had told him, and that faith gave others courage to keep going.
When teaching children, avoid promising that bad things will never happen to them. The story shows God’s faithfulness through danger, not a guarantee that life will always be safe. Focus on God’s presence and His care instead.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us in every storm. When we feel scared, help us remember that You keep Your promises. Give us courage like Paul had, and help us trust You every day. Amen.
