This lesson teaches children that life is short and sometimes hard, but God always remembers His people. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including a short story, a few Bible readings, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
Our lives are short and full of trouble, but God is always with us and never forgets us.
Memory Verse
Job 14:1
“Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and hold their hands out in front of them, palms up. As they say the verse together, have them lower their hands slowly, like a flower bending toward the ground, then lift them back up as they say “few days” and “trouble.” This motion helps children remember that life is short and full of hard moments.
The Story: Job 14 for Kids
Long ago, there was a man named Job. He had lost many things, and he was sad and hurting. He sat and talked with God about how hard life can be. Job said that people are born, they grow up, and then they do not stay on earth for very long. He compared people to flowers that bloom and then fall down, and to shadows that move across the ground and quickly disappear.
Job looked at a tree and thought about it. If a tree is cut down, it can still grow new branches from its roots, even when the tree looks dead. Job wished that people could be like that. But he saw that when a person dies, he does not come back the same way. Job felt like the water in the sea and the river could dry up, and people would be gone too.
Job was very honest with God. He asked God to hide him away for a while until the hard times were over. He wanted God to remember him. Job was sure God was watching over him, even when he was sad. He told God, “You would call, and I would answer you.” Job still talked to God, even when he did not understand what was happening.
Job also felt the pain of his own body and his heart. He shared his hurt with God, and he did not pretend that everything was fine. This story shows children that they can tell God how they really feel, even when they are sad or scared. God hears them, and He cares about every part of their life.
Read It Together
Job 14:2
He grows up like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn’t continue.
(WEB)
Point out that Job uses the picture of a flower and a shadow to show how short life can feel. Ask children to think about a time when something seemed to go by very quickly, like a summer break or a birthday party. Explain that Job was honest about how short life is, and that honesty is something God allows.
Job 14:7-9
7 “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, that the tender branch of it will not cease. 8 Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground, 9 yet through the scent of water it will bud, and sprout boughs like a plant.
(WEB)
Show children the picture of a tree that can sprout again even after it looks dead. Explain that Job saw hope in this, because God can bring new life even when things seem finished. Remind children that God’s care for them is steady, like water that makes a tree grow.
Job 14:15
You would call, and I would answer you. You would have a desire to the work of your hands.
(WEB)
Point out that Job believed God would call him and that God would want to answer and remember him. Explain that this verse shows God wants to be close to His people and cares about the work of His hands, including each child. Help children understand that God listens when they call to Him.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel sad or worried sometimes?
- How did Job feel when he talked to God, and what did he tell God?
- What can we learn from the tree that can grow again after it is cut down?
- Why do you think it helps to tell God how we really feel?
- How can you show someone that God is always watching over them?
Activity Ideas
Flower and Shadow Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or colored pencils, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a flower on one side of the page and a shadow shape on the other side. As they draw, talk about how a flower grows and fades, and how a shadow comes and goes. Then have them write or draw one word on the page that reminds them God is always with them.
Tree Sprout Game
You will need a little space to move and a soft ball or beanbag. Have children stand in a circle and pretend to be a tree that has been cut down. When you toss the ball to a child, they “sprout” by standing up tall with their arms raised like branches. Explain that even when things seem finished, God can bring new life. Keep the game gentle and fun, and let every child have a turn.
Remember Me Card
You will need an index card or a small piece of paper, a pencil, and a pen or markers. Have each child write or draw a picture of something they want God to remember, like a friend, a family member, or a worry. Let them take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day. Encourage them to talk to God about the card when they look at it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Job 14 is an honest look at how short and difficult human life can feel. Job does not hide his grief or his questions, and he brings them directly to God. The chapter holds both the reality of human frailty and a quiet hope that God remembers and cares for His people, even when answers are not clear.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that every hard thing will be fixed quickly or that God will always change our circumstances the way we hope. Keep the focus on God’s presence and care, and on the freedom to be honest with Him. Children should leave knowing that God hears them, not believing that trouble will always end on their schedule.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You see us and remember us. Help us to know that life can be short and hard, but You are always with us. When we feel sad or worried, help us to tell You how we feel. Thank You for listening to us. Amen.
