Scripture: I Kings 16:29-17:24
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn hard times can happen even to those who follow God.
- Students will learn God does not desert us in hard times, but like He did for Elijah, God cares for us during difficult times.
- Students will learn God sometimes (but not always in the ways we want!) blesses us in earthly ways for our obedience.
- Students will learn how to determine between needs and wants.
Guiding Question: How can students learn about needs and wants?
Materials: Index cards with different needs and wants written on them or pictures of various common items
Procedure: Review the story of Elijah from the scriptures above. Emphasize that even when life presents challenges, God will always be there for us and will take care of us.
God provides our needs – not necessarily our wants. God provided enough food for Elijah to stay alive, not necessarily as much as Elijah would have liked. Play a needs vs. wants game. Have the students create game cards to try and “trick” the other team. On each card should be an item..the other team must draw a card and say whether it is a need or a want. Then it is the other team’s turn. Teachers can interject if students become confused or declare things as needs that are actually wants.
Additional Questions: How can students determine the difference between needs and wants? (For younger students)
Supplemental Activity: Have students sort pictures of needs and wants. Then talk about how the students sorted them and noticing differences between needs and wants.