Christ-Centered Bible Studies for Kids, Students and Adults

Weekly Leader Training for Students: Unit 2, Session 3—God Himself Will Provide

| Alecia Bryant

The testing of our faith will require sacrifice.

SCRIPTURE | Genesis 21–22

Central Truth

God tests us because He loves us and wants to reveal more of His character to us. He wants our faith to be authentic, not robotic. When we’re tested, our faith really becomes our own. Not something based in our family history or church attendance. And when we possess our own deep faith in God, then we’ll be equipped to stand against all kinds of storms that may come into our lives.

Key question

What does this story teach us about surrendering even when it’s painful?

Keep in Mind

Students may grapple with whether common sense and faith go hand in hand. Sometimes they do—but not always. This is where we tend to make mistakes in our decisions. A situation comes into our lives that just doesn’t make sense: our parents divorce; we lose a loved one; or we grow up in difficult circumstances. In these situations, common sense may tell us God isn’t with us. Logic may even lead us to make a decision that makes sense according to all worldly standards, but faith sometimes doesn’t make sense. Sometimes God asks us to do something that actually makes zero sense or seems impossible. And that is when we must have faith: belief that God is good and trustworthy against all odds.

APPLICATION

How is it loving of God to test our faith? How can you grow closer to Him in the testing?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: God tests us because He wants us to be able to stand. He wants us to be able to face sickness, death, heartache, persecution, and loss with full assurance of His faithfulness. And that type of trust is built in the testing. Trials help to reinforce God’s character and remind us that He alone is constant. 

FOR THE LEADER: Our hesitancy to sacrifice is an unbelief in God to be enough for us or disbelief that He is better than anything else. But the Lord will provide. He wants all of you, even when it’s difficult. Consider tracing times when God was faithful and provided for you and then sharing those circumstances with the group or with other leaders.

About Alecia Bryant

Alecia Bryant is the Publishing Team Lead for The Gospel Project for Students. She enjoys studying God's Word, leading worship, and traveling. Alecia and her husband live in Louisiana, with their two children and a goofy golden retriever. In her free time, you can probably catch her at a local Mexican restaurant eating chips and salsa with her family.