This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises, and that we can hold on to His promises like an anchor holds a boat in a storm. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, so we can trust Him and hold on tight, even when life feels stormy.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 6:19
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil…
(WEB)
Hold both fists out in front of you like you are gripping a rope. Pull your hands down slowly and say the verse together. Then lift one arm up high and wiggle your fingers like an anchor going down into the water.
The Story: Hebrews 6 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a man named Abraham. God had made a big promise to him. God said that Abraham would have so many children and grandchildren that they would be like the stars in the sky. Abraham had to wait a very long time for this promise to come true. Sometimes waiting is hard, and it can feel like nothing is happening at all.
But Abraham kept trusting God. He did not give up or stop believing. Even when he felt tired and unsure, he kept his heart close to God. The writer of this letter reminds us that Abraham was patient, and in the end, he received what God had promised him.
God wanted Abraham to know that His promise was completely true. Since there was no one greater than God to swear by, God made His promise even stronger by swearing by Himself. Imagine a grown-up saying, “I promise, and I am so sure that I will say it on my own name.” That is how sure God was about His promise to Abraham.
The letter says that God’s promises are like a strong anchor for our souls. An anchor is a heavy hook that sinks down into the sea and holds a boat still. Even when the waves are big and the wind is strong, the anchor keeps the boat from drifting away. Our hope in Jesus holds us in the same way.
Jesus has gone ahead of us into heaven, like a friend who goes first to prepare a place. Because He is with God, we know that our anchor is holding us close to Him. We can trust that He will keep every promise He has made.
Read It Together
Hebrews 6:13-15
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
(WEB)
Point out that God made a promise to Abraham and that He could not break it. Ask the children to notice how Abraham waited patiently, and explain that waiting for God’s timing takes faith.
Hebrews 6:17-18
17 In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath; 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.
(WEB)
Show the children that God made His promise sure in two ways, and that it is impossible for God to lie. Help them understand that this gives us strong encouragement when we feel afraid or unsure.
Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.
(WEB)
Explain that God sees the kind things we do for others, even small ones. Remind the children that serving and loving other people is never wasted in God’s eyes.
Talk About It
- What is something you have had to wait a long time for, and how did it feel while you were waiting?
- How can you tell that God keeps His promises when you read stories from the Bible?
- What does an anchor do for a boat, and how can God’s promises be like an anchor for you?
- What is one way you can show love to someone in your family or class this week?
- When you feel scared or worried, what can you remember about who God is and what He has promised?
Activity Ideas
Paper Anchor Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, glue, and a piece of string. Have each child draw a large anchor shape on the paper and cut it out. Let them write the words “God keeps His promises” on the anchor. Glue a loop of string to the top so they can hang it up at home as a reminder.
Storm and Anchor Game
Clear a space in the room and ask the children to stand up tall. Call out “Storm!” and have them wiggle and sway like waves. Then call out “Anchor!” and have them freeze, plant their feet, and hold very still like a boat held by its anchor. Keep the game going for a few rounds, and end by reading the memory verse together.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope for each child. Write a simple promise from God on one side of the card, such as “God is faithful.” Have each child decorate the other side with a drawing of an anchor. Ask them to place the card in the envelope and keep it near their bed to read during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter encourages believers to keep moving forward in faith and not drift back into old habits. It also shows that God’s promises are secure because His character is unchanging, and that our hope in Christ is steady even when circumstances are uncertain. The passage invites us to persevere with patience and to show love to others as an expression of genuine faith.
Avoid suggesting to children that their faith must be perfect to please God, or that trials always mean they have done something wrong. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His love, rather than on warnings that might frighten young hearts.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping every promise You make. Help us to hold on to You like an anchor, even when life feels stormy. Teach us to be patient while we wait, and to show Your love to the people around us. Thank You that Jesus is with You, keeping us safe. Amen.
