Introduction

• In the last lesson, we learned about how God used Philip to share Jesus with an Ethiopian official. Whom does God want to hear the good news about Jesus? ( Everyone.) Philip was not worried or afraid because he trusted God completely. And we can, too.
• Today, we will learn about how God is always in control—no matter what happens and no matter how we feel.

Bible Story

Jesus’ disciple, named Peter, was put into prison for teaching people about Jesus. Four groups of soldiers were told to guard him. But while Peter was there, the church never stopped praying to God for him.

The night before Peter was to be put on trial, he was fast asleep and bound by two chains. There were soldiers on both sides of him, and two more soldiers were guarding the entrance to the prison.

Suddenly, an angel appeared, and light flashed all around the cell. “Quick!” the angel said to Peter. “Get up!” Then, the chains fell off of Peter, and he followed the angel out of the city. Peter went to a house where many of Jesus’ followers were praying. When they saw Peter, they were completely amazed! Peter told them about how the Lord had led him out of prison.

Review

At this time, James, another one of Jesus’ disciples, had been killed. Then, Peter was put into prison. If he had been found guilty at his trial, Peter might have been killed also.
God was in control when he rescued Peter. But he was also in control when James died. God is always in control—even when bad things happen and even when it may not feel like he is there.
God is the creator of all things, including each of us. And as the creator, he has a plan for our lives. God knows everything and sees the “bigger picture” that we cannot see. In fact, God tells us in the Bible that his thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Hard times will come, but that does not mean that God is no longer in control. It means that God has a plan that is different than what we expected. God has already shown his great love for us by sending Jesus, and he assures us in his Word that he works all things for the good of everyone who loves him (Romans 8:28). So, no matter how we feel or what we face, we can always know that God is in control.

1. How can you know that God is in control no matter what happens? (God has a plan and will work all things—even hard times and challenges—for the good of everyone who loves him.)
2. How can knowing this help you during difficult times? (We can focus on what we know to be true, instead of how we feel. We can feel sad and frustrated, but we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control, even when we are suffering.)

Prayer

Dear God,
Help me learn to trust you always. Amen.