Share the Story journey with your family as you read through the chapter this week. Read together. Enjoy a family activity and discussion. Conclude with prayer.
For ease, we have divided each week's reading into three parts, with family devotions for each part (based on THE STORY For Kids). You might want to read on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and do family time on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; or you might prefer to read and have family time on the same day, three times a week.
Chapter #20 - The Queen of Beauty and Courage
Day One - A Beautiful QueenSummary: With God's help, Esther became queen.
Do together: Draw a picture of beautiful Queen Esther. Don't forget her purple robe and gold crown.
Think about: Being considered by the king to be queen was a big deal. Do you think Esther was nervous or afraid? She probably was, a little bit, but she trusted God and knew he was with her. She also knew her cousin, Mordecai, loved her and was thinking of her. No one knew it, not even Esther, but God had already decided that she would become the queen for a very special purpose. Did you know God has a special plan for your life too?
Also read: Proverbs 19:21; Ephesians 1:11-14
Prayer: Father, thanks for being with me when I'm nervous and afraid. Show me my purpose, so I can do your will. In Jesus' name, amen.
Day Two - A Bad ManSummary: Haman wanted to hurt God's people.
Do together: Three items in each group have something in common. One item is different and not like the others. Find the one that doesn't belong and explain why.
Green beans Goldfish Car
Potatoes Earrings Truck
Meat Loaf Necklace Motorcycle
Carrots Bracelet Dog
Think about: Why do you think Mordecai wouldn't bow down before Haman? Would that be like worshiping someone other than God? Do you remember what God told his people about worshiping idols? The Jews who lived there were different from other people, because they worshiped only the one true God. It was a scary time for the Jews, but do you think God would help them overcome? Here's a hing: God planned all along that Esther would become queen, remember?
Also read: Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:28
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for being my Forever Friend and always walking with me no matter how scary things might be. I know it's okay to be different when it means doing what you want me to do. I pray in your name, amen.
Day Three - Be BraveSummary: Esther showed courage as she allowed God to use her to save her people.
Do together: Pretend to be a rodeo rider on a mean bull. The bull is bucking and jumping and you are doing all you can to stay in the saddle. Pretend to be a lion tamer inside a cage with only a chair and a whip between you and the lion. Pretend to be a high wire artist, walking across a skinny wire high above the ground with no net. You can wobble, but don't look down.
Think about: When Esther realized she was the only one who could talk to the king, she knew she was taking a risk. The king might be mad, because he hadn't invited her in to see him. He might even kill her! Esther was scared, but she had courage to do what she did because she loved her people. She knew she was the only one who could save them. What was it that gave her courage? There's another person in the Bible who did a really brave thing, because he loved all people and he was the only one who could save them from their own sin. Do you know who it was?
Also read: Psalm 121; John 3:16
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you risked your life and gave it up to save me. Give me courage when I'm worried or afraid because I know you are with me. In your name I pray, amen.
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