Teaching

Let’s learn more about how God provides for His people. Naomi and her family traveled to the country of Moab because there was a famine in their town of Bethlehem, in Judah. What is a famine? People are hungry and starving because there is no food.

Years later, after her husband and sons died, Naomi heard that the famine was over, so she decided to return to Bethlehem.  

This meant that Ruth had to make an important choice at a difficult time. She had lost her husband and was about to be separated from her mother-in-law, Naomi. Instead of returning to her home and the false gods of her country, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and to follow the one true God. By this wise choice, Ruth received God’s promise of provision.

God became her provider—just like our SuperVerse says in Psalm 34:9:  

Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need.

I have great news for you; this verse applies to us today! It is a promise to all who fear God. He will provide all we need! Remember, to fear God means to love, honor and respect Him.

Let’s say our SuperTruth: “God is my provider.”

Here is what Boaz told Ruth. Read Ruth 2:12:

 “May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

Boaz knew that Ruth had chosen to leave her family, home, and false gods to serve Naomi and the one true God. He spoke a prayer of blessing over Ruth’s life, asking God to reward her for her act of unselfish love and sacrifice. Boaz described Ruth’s choice as taking refuge under God’s wings. The word refuge means to take cover in a safe place of shelter.

Do you think God actually has wings?

The Bible tells us that God is spirit. See John 4:12. He does not need wings to travel—He is everywhere at all times. In the Bible, “God’s wings” means His loving care.

Hold up the umbrella. Let’s say this umbrella represents God’s care and provision. Open the umbrella and choose two children to come forward.

Let’s say these two children have chosen to trust and serve God. 

Hold umbrella over the children. By doing this, they place themselves under God’s provision and care.

The children return to their seats. Close the umbrella.

Listen to what Psalm 84:11 says:

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

When we honor God and do what is right according to His Word, we unlock God’s provision and blessings in our lives. God will not hold back any good thing from us—just like Ruth experienced.  

We do not need to worry about having what we need. We can trust God to do whatever is needed to provide for us.

Have the children look up and take turns reading the verses in Matthew 6:31–33:

³¹ “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ ³² These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. ³³ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

Think of that—God knows exactly what we need. He is our loving heavenly Father who looks after His children. Jesus wants us to live for God, to trust Him, and to seek His will for our lives, rather than worry about what we don’t have.

Did you know that God has many names in the Bible? One of His names is Jehovah-Jireh, which means, “The Lord Will Provide.” His very name tells us that God will give us everything we need!

Ruth feared God and showed faithfulness and kindness to Naomi. God rewarded her for doing what was right. He provided all she needed and much more!

Let’s shout the SuperTruth together: “God is my provider!”

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Hold up the sample of Gizmo’s Snow Cone Machine. Let’s discuss the Discipleship Challenge from Lesson 1. What was our first snow cone challenge? To be faithful and kind; to look up and learn Proverbs 3:3.

Did anyone remember to ask God to help you to be faithful and kind?

What happened when you did?

Can anyone say Proverbs 3:3 from memory?

Even if you know only part of the verse, share what you know and we will build on it! 

Proverbs 3:3:

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

Our second snow cone challenge is to bless someone by providing or supplying something that they need. Be sure to ask your parents’ permission before you give anything away. The other part of our challenge is to learn Hebrews 13:16 at home.

If time permits, look up and read Hebrews 13:16:

And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

We learned today that one way God provides is through other people—like us! God blessed Boaz, and he shared his blessings with others, including his workers, the gleaners, Ruth, and Naomi. God provides all we need and more, so we can share our blessings with others who are in need!

So our second snow cone challenge is to learn Hebrews 13:16, then ask God to show you how you can bless someone else before we meet again. As you pray, thank God for being your provider and giving you all you need!

When we meet again, I will ask if anyone would like to share their challenge experience.