Listen to God: Read Matthew 14:22-36 Trust is a very difficult thing for many people, yet it is essential for us to trust God in all aspects of our lives. In spite of what we might assume, people didn’t always find it easy to trust Jesus during His earthly ministry. In fact, this passage shows that even the disciples struggled to trust Jesus at times. Lead your family in a discussion about why that might have been the case and if things might be different for them today. Talk to God This passage helps us learn some important truths about trusting God. He has a proven track record and is completely trustworthy. Since He will not fail us, we do not need to worry. Lead your family in a time of prayer, thanking God for being trustworthy and asking Him to help you not to worry, but to trust Him in all things. Walk With God Option 1: Provide the following object lesson for your family. (Materials needed: a bottle of vegetable oil, a clear cup or jar half full of water.) Let’s pretend that this water represents our trust in God and the oil represents our worrying about the struggles of life. Let’s see what will happen when we add worry to our life of faith. (Pour some of the oil into the water and make sure each family member is able to see that they are not mixing. For added effect you could try to stir them together and watch them separate.) These two things will not mix no matter how hard we try. Ask: Can we trust God and worry about the circumstances of life at the same time? Why or Why not? (Worry and trust do not mix.) Option 2: Ask family members the following questions: • Would you trust a complete stranger with something valuable? Why or Why not? • What does a person have to do to gain your trust? (Demonstrate that he or she can be trusted, depended upon, or proved capable of doing certain things.) Let’s think about the Lord and all we have learned about Him. Is He someone we can trust? (Allow family members to answer and encourage them to give reasons.) Of course we can trust Him. We just need to make sure we do it. Let’s make a family pledge to trust God more and look for ways to give Him glory in our lives. Week 10 May 6, 2012 D6 Family Theme: trust The Point: Our struggles have a greater purpose The one page for every age HOME C o n n e c t i o n curriculum FTE 10-4 Infant/Toddler Your child was introduced to the Heartprint: I Can Help Others. The Parent Page should have come home with your child. It gives you general guidelines to help you recognize and understand developmental milestones your child should reach. Preschool Today your child was introduced to this month’s Heartprint: I Can Trust Jesus. He or she learned how Jesus calmed a storm on the sea. His disciples were scared but Jesus took care of them. Remind your child how he or she can trust Jesus when frightened. Early Elementary Today your student learned Jesus is trustworthy. Jesus walked on the water. Peter walked with Jesus but he fell when he became frightened and lost his trust. As Christians, we do not need to fear; Jesus is with us. Use the activities found on the other side of this Home Connection as a tool to help your student apply the lessons learned at church to his or her life. Upper Elementary Your student learned that Jesus is trustworthy. Jesus walked on the water. Peter walked with Jesus but he sank when he took his eyes off Jesus. Explain to your student why God is trustworthy, and encourage your child to trust Him in everyday circumstances.