Amber wanted to
volunteer for the August Arts Festival Program.
The homeschool was putting a Christian presentation together for grades K-6th. Amber was in 3rd grade. She was selected to recite Psalms 100. The theme of the festival was “The
American Indian theme, combined with a Christian perspective.” Amber felt afraid right away. She was afraid to make a mistake and did not
want to recite the verses. Other kids from
the 3rd grade class refused in fear of messing up as well. None of them wanted to volunteer for reciting
Psalms 100.
In response, the
teacher selected a lesson about faith.
The lesson was about Peter walking on the water.
Amber listened
intently because her teacher was very good at telling stories. Especially real stories from the Bible. Amber could almost see herself walking on the
water, then becoming fearful of the winds and the storm.
Their teacher
told the story so well that all the children sat in suspense and they all became
calm as the storm was calmed by Jesus.
The teacher asked,
which one in our story today made the biggest mistake? One of the other children named “Matty,
quickly responded. “Peter”. “Why
do you believe that it was Peter who made the biggest mistake? Asked their teacher. Then Patty answered shyly, “Because he was afraid?””
He lost trust in Jesus!” Joey spoke
loudly.
Their teacher
cleverly answered, “Actually Peter did have faith. The ones that didn’t even try, they showed no
faith. They wanted to stay in the boat
but Peter wanted to do great things like walk on the water. One of the greatest mistakes any of us can
ever make is letting fear keep us from even trying.
Sometimes
people can harshly criticize others for making mistakes and those watching will
never try. They become fearful of being
treated the same way. We should try our
best but if we mess up. We should be
happy in knowing we had faith to try.
Susan Y Nikitenko August 15th, 2021 © Story Lesson
After a few days passed, Amber’s mother talked to her about being willing to recite Psalms 100 for the festival activity. Her mother talked to her about great people in history. People who wanted to do great things. Some of them failed many times, but they did not give up. Great things were discovered because they wouldn’t let discouragement stop them. We wouldn’t have the light bulb today. We wouldn’t have some of the cures we have today. We would not have many of the conveniences we enjoy today if there were no people who were willing to fail in order to learn. We must have the faith to try. Amber and her mother prayed.
Amber called Mrs. Hall who was in charge and agreed to recite Psalms 100. She studied and prepared. Then the time came to stand before an audience of strangers. She began to pray in her heart, “Father in heaven please help me.” She took a deep breath and walked up to the microphone. With confidence in her voice, Amber recited her lines. Her teacher only had to prompt her one time. Here is what she recited:
Psalms
100:1-5 KJV
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all
ye lands.
Serve
the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is
he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of
his pasture
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and
into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is
everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Mrs. Hall smiled and Amber’s mother was
as happy as she could be. Even though
Amber made a mistake, she felt joyful that she did not let fear keep her from
trying.
Amber will probably know Psalms 100 for the
rest of her life and will remember not to let her fear outdo her faith. She will probably always remember Peter
walking on the water and how he looked away from Jesus. He could not walk on water without Jesus, He
cried for help and Jesus stretched out his hand. He stretched out his hand, just as he does to
all of his children who call for his help.
He saves those who want to be saved. His hand is reached out to you. Will you take his hand. If you would like to know Jesus as your
personal Saviors today. Would you raise
your hand so I know to pray for you?
Susan Y Nikitenko ©
August 22nd 2021
Story Lesson
