This lesson teaches children that God is stronger and wiser than any help people can find on their own, so we can trust Him instead. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is strong, and we can always trust Him to help us, even when we feel scared or unsure.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they don’t look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don’t seek the LORD!
(WEB)
Have children hold their hands up like they are asking for help, then slowly turn their palms up and place them over their hearts. Say the verse together while doing the motion, and repeat it three times so the words and the movement stick together.
The Story: Isaiah 31 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Israel were worried about enemies coming to attack them. Some of the leaders decided to ask Egypt for help. Egypt had many horses, many chariots, and many soldiers, so they seemed like a safe choice. The leaders trusted these things more than they trusted God.
God sent the prophet Isaiah to speak to His people. Isaiah told them that the Egyptians were only people, and their horses were only animals. They were not God, and they could not protect anyone the way God could. God had not stopped caring for His people, and He still loved them very much.
God said that He would protect Jerusalem like a lion protects its young, or like a bird spreads its wings over its nest. He would keep the city safe from harm. Nothing could stand against Him. Even the strongest enemies would find that they could not win against the Lord.
Then God called out to His people, saying, “Come back to me, my children.” He wanted them to stop trusting in false things and turn their hearts back to Him. They were to throw away the idols they had made of silver and gold, because those things could never save them.
God promised that the Assyrians, who were a powerful enemy, would one day fall down. Their own strength would not save them. God Himself would bring the victory, and His people would be safe.
Read It Together
Isaiah 31:4-5
4 For the LORD says to me, “As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey, if a multitude of shepherds is called together against him, will not be dismayed at their voice, nor abase himself for their noise, so the LORD of Armies will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its heights. 5 As birds hovering, so the LORD of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.”
(WEB)
Point out how God is compared to a lion and to a bird. Ask children what each picture tells them about how God takes care of His people. Explain that a lion guards its family and a bird hovers over its nest to keep it safe.
Isaiah 31:6
Return to him from whom you have deeply revolted, children of Israel.
(WEB)
Show children that God is always inviting His people to come back to Him. Explain that turning back to God means changing our hearts and trusting Him again, even after we have made mistakes.
Isaiah 31:9
His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner,” says the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s power is so great that even the strongest enemies will be afraid of Him. Remind children that no one is stronger than God, and that He is always in control of what happens.
Talk About It
- What are some things people sometimes trust instead of God when they feel scared?
- How did God take care of His people in this story, and how is that like a mother bird or a lion protecting its family?
- Why do you think it was important for the people to stop trusting in silver and gold?
- What is something that makes you feel safe, and how can you remember that God is even stronger than that?
- What is one thing you can do this week to trust God when you feel worried?
Activity Ideas
Lion and Bird Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a lion standing over a small group of animals, and a bird spreading its wings over a nest. Write the words “God protects us” at the bottom of the picture. Let children explain their drawings to the class, pointing out how God is like the lion and the bird.
Stop and Trust Game
Clear an open space in the room and have children stand in a circle. Call out a thing people sometimes trust, like “a fast car” or “a big pile of money.” Children act out pretending to lean on that thing, then stop and stand tall with arms open when you call “God is stronger!” Play a few rounds so children practice turning back to God.
Safe Home Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small piece of yarn or string. Help each child write “God is my strong helper” on one side of the card. Punch a hole in the corner and tie the yarn so children can hang it on a doorknob or in their backpack. Encourage them to read it each morning as a reminder to trust God.
Teacher Notes
This chapter reminds adults that people often look to human strength, wealth, or alliances for security, while God calls us to trust Him first. The passage also shows that God’s care for His people is steady and protective, and that He invites us back to Him when we drift away.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God guarantees they will never face danger or that trusting Him means nothing bad will ever happen to them. Focus instead on God’s character as strong, loving, and faithful, and let children know that He is with them even in hard times.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we are so glad that You are stronger than anything in this world. Help us remember to trust You when we feel scared or unsure. Teach us to come back to You whenever we forget, and keep us safe in Your loving care. Amen.
