In this lesson, children learn that God is wiser and more powerful than anyone, and that we can always talk to Him even when we don’t understand what He is doing. It suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, questions and one activity.
Big Idea
God is far bigger and wiser than we are, and we can always bring our questions to Him. He made the whole world, and nothing is too hard for Him.
Memory Verse
Job 9:10
He does great things past finding out; yes, marvelous things without number.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out wide, like a child showing how big a fish got, while saying “great things.” Then bring the hands together in front of the heart on “without number.” Repeat it three times together so the motion and the words stick.
The Story: Job 9 for Kids
Job was a good man who had lost almost everything. His children were gone, his animals were gone, and his body hurt badly. His friends came to sit with him, but they kept saying that he must have done something wrong to deserve all this trouble. Job knew he had tried to live rightly, and he did not understand why this was happening to him.
In this chapter, Job speaks to his friends and then talks about God. He says that God made the mountains, the sun, the stars, and the wide sea. Job says that God does things that no person can understand, and that no one can tell God what to do. Job felt small next to such a powerful God.
Job also said something sad. He told his friends, “I want to ask God why. I want to speak to Him.” Job felt that he could not win an argument with God, because God is so strong and so wise. He felt tired and afraid, and he wished he could find someone who could stand between him and God to help them talk.
Job’s words show that he was honest with God. He did not hide his feelings or pretend to be happy. He told God exactly how he felt, and even when he was confused, he kept speaking to God. This is a lesson we can learn: we can be honest with God about our hard feelings.
Read It Together
Job 9:4
God who is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who has hardened himself against him, and prospered?
(WEB)
Point out that Job describes God as wise in heart and mighty in strength. Ask the children what a wise person does and what a strong person can do, and help them see that God has both kinds of greatness.
Job 9:8-9
8 He alone stretches out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea. 9 He makes the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the rooms of the south.
(WEB)
Show the children how Job lists the things God made: the heavens, the waves, and the stars. Have them name something in the sky or in nature they like, and remind them that God made it.
Job 9:11
Behold, he goes by me, and I don’t see him. He passes on also, but I don’t perceive him.
(WEB)
Explain that Job could not see God moving around him, even though God was there. Tell the children that sometimes we cannot see God, but He is still with us and still caring for us.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you think is amazing?
- Why do you think Job felt so small next to God?
- What is something you would like to ask God when you don’t understand what is happening?
- How can we be honest with God about our feelings, like Job was?
- When is a time you felt that God was close to you, even if you couldn’t see Him?
Activity Ideas
Starry Sky Drawing
You will need dark construction paper, white crayons or chalk, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a small picture of something God made, such as a star, a fish, or a mountain, and to write one word about why God is amazing. Let them display their pictures together as a wall of God’s creation.
Wave and Mountain Movement Game
Clear a space in the room and ask the children to stand tall like mountains, then slowly sink down low like valleys. Next, have them wave their arms like the sea and then freeze when you say “Stop, God is in control.” Keep the game short and cheerful, and end by reminding the children that God is bigger than all of it.
Prayer Pocket Card to Take Home
You will need index cards, markers, and a small envelope or resealable bag for each child. Have each child write or draw one question they would like to ask God on the card, then place it in the envelope to keep at home. Encourage the family to pray with them about the questions this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Job 9 shows that human beings cannot fully understand God’s ways, and that Job is struggling to make sense of his suffering. Job is honest and confused, and he has no easy answer, yet he still speaks directly to God. The chapter invites us to humility before a God who is wiser and stronger than we are, and to honest prayer even when we cannot make sense of our pain.
With children, avoid suggesting that they will always understand why hard things happen or that prayer will always remove their troubles. Keep the focus on God’s greatness and His presence with us, and let children know that it is good to bring their questions to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know You are wiser and stronger than anything we can see or understand. Thank You for making the stars, the sea, and the mountains. Help us to bring You our questions and our feelings, even when we do not understand. Thank You that You are always listening. Amen.
