This lesson teaches children that God is with them even when they feel afraid, and that they can trust him instead of worrying. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Use the story, the memory verse motion, and the discussion questions to help the children see God’s care in a scary moment.
Big Idea
God is bigger than the things that scare us, and he keeps his promises. We can trust him even when we feel afraid. He is with us in every hard day.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 7:4
Tell him, ‘Be careful, and keep calm. Don’t be afraid, neither let your heart be faint because of these two tails of smoking torches, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
(WEB)
Have the children stand, place one hand over their heart, and slowly raise the other hand up high, as if reaching for God. Say the verse together, then sit down quietly. Repeat it three times, getting a little softer each time.
The Story: Isaiah 7 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Ahaz who ruled the people of Judah in Jerusalem. Two other kings, Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel, wanted to attack Jerusalem and take over the city. The people of Jerusalem heard the news, and they were very scared. Their hearts shook like trees in a strong wind.
God sent his prophet Isaiah to meet King Ahaz on the road outside the city. Isaiah was told to bring his young son, Shearjashub, along with him. God wanted King Ahaz to hear an important message. The message was, “Be careful and keep calm. Do not be afraid.”
God told Ahaz that the plans of those two kings would not succeed. Their plans would not happen. God said, “It shall not stand, neither shall it happen.” Ahaz needed to trust God and not be afraid of these enemies.
God even offered Ahaz a sign to help him believe. Ahaz said no, because he did not want to ask God for anything. But God still spoke, telling the people that a special child would come. This child would be named Immanuel, which means “God with us.” God wanted everyone to know that he would always be with his people.
God also told them that the days ahead would bring hard times, but he would keep his promise to care for his people. Even when things looked scary, God was still in control. The people could rest in him and trust him to keep them safe.
Read It Together
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
(WEB)
Show the children that God gave a special promise about a child named Immanuel. Explain that the name means “God with us,” which tells us God never leaves his people. Help them see that this promise was a big sign of God’s love and presence.
Isaiah 7:9
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.’”
(WEB)
Point out that God said the plans against Judah would fail. Explain that trusting God means believing his promises even when we cannot see how they will happen. Encourage the children to think about times they had to trust God instead of worrying.
Talk About It
- What made the people of Jerusalem feel scared in this story?
- What did God tell King Ahaz to do when he felt afraid?
- What does the name Immanuel mean, and why is that good news?
- How can you remind yourself that God is with you when you feel scared?
- Who is someone you can go to for help when you are worried?
Activity Ideas
Trusting Hands Craft
You will need paper, crayons, and safety scissors. Have each child trace one of their hands onto the paper and cut it out. On the hand, they can write or draw one thing they are worried about. Then they can write “God is with me” on the back of the paper hand to remind them of God’s care.
Stand Strong Game
Play a movement game where you call out a scary word like “storm” or “enemy.” Children stand tall with their feet apart and arms straight out to show strength. When you call out “God is with us,” they cheer and freeze in that strong pose. Keep the game short and cheerful so the children enjoy learning the verse.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small piece of tape or a rubber band. Write the words “God is with me” on the card and decorate it with simple shapes. Children can take it home and place it on their bedside table or in a backpack. Encourage them to read it aloud whenever they feel afraid.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God speaks clearly to his people in times of fear and political danger. King Ahaz was tempted to rely on his own plans instead of trusting God, and the chapter invites every reader to choose faith over anxiety. The promise of Immanuel points forward to Jesus, the one who would be God with us in a full and personal way.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the historical details or the exact meaning of the sign for people who lived long ago. Focus instead on the simple truth that God keeps his promises and is always with his people. Let children know that God’s presence is a comfort, not a guarantee that nothing hard will ever happen.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are with us every day. When we feel scared, help us remember that you are bigger than our worries. Give us calm hearts and brave hands to trust you. Thank you for always being with us. Amen.
