Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories ... - Thrown by Waves

Read: James 1:5-8

Minha sat on the beach watching the waves crash into the shore. It was a windy day, and the waves were huge. Minha had a lot on her mind, and watching the water calmed her.

Mom came and sat next to her. After a while of sitting in silence, Mom finally asked, “How are you doing?”

“I’m just so scared of making the wrong decision,” Minha said as she fought back tears. Minha and her mom had just come from the doctor, who had told them Minha’s test showed that she had cancer, and he had given them different options for treating it.

Mom put her arm around Minha. “Well, this is a huge decision, but we need to pray that God will give us wisdom and guide us in making the right choice.”

“But, Mom, all the treatment options could make me even sicker. How can we be sure God will help us make the right decision?”

The two sat in silence for a little while, watching the water. They watched as a big stick was thrown from one wave to another. Then a big wave heaved the piece of wood onto the shore, and it finally became still.

“Minha, we are definitely going through a struggle right now,” Mom said. “We can either let our emotions get the best of us and throw us around like the waves did that stick, or we can trust God to see us through this. It’s not going to be easy, but we have to remember that Jesus will be with us as we make these tough decisions—and He’s put doctors and other people in our lives who can help guide us in making wise choices. That doesn’t mean everything will go the way we want it to, but we need to remember that God is in control and will work everything out for good, no matter what decision we make. Jesus saved us, and He’ll always be with us, no matter what happens. It may be scary, but we can trust Him.”

Minha watched the water for a long time, thinking about what her mom had said. She then said a silent prayer asking God for wisdom and guidance as she and her family made the choices they needed to make.

–Melissa Yeagle

How about you? Are you going through a hard time right now? Do you have some tough decisions to make? Perhaps you’re dealing with something difficult in your family, at school, or with your health. No matter what it is, remember that Jesus saved you and will work everything out for good, even if things don’t go the way you hoped. Trust Him to be with you and guide you in whatever it is you’re facing.

Today’s key verse: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God. Romans 8:28 (CSB)

Today’s key thought: Trust Jesus with tough choices