When things happen like the events of this past week’s Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, even kids hear and take notice. Uncertainty, even across oceans, can have an effect on kids who want to know what’s going on in their world, and who also want to be reassured that everything is going to be okay. One of the worst things you can do is ignore it. One of the best things you can do is discuss it.
Here’s some help to have the important conversation that they are thinking about anyway. Use this simple Discussion Guide & Questions below to remind them of these important things:
1. Evil is real.
Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
We live in a broken world because of sin. God is clear in his word that because man’s heart is naturally sinful, evil gone unchecked and unpunished will always grow. This is true for nations just as it’s true for people. There is no bandaid big enough to fix the problem of evil. Only Jesus can do that. Sin always destroys. Jesus alone saves.
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What kinds of evil do you see around you in your own world?
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What are some things you can do to keep sin from destroying your life? (obey, take care of sin while it’s small, trust in Jesus, etc.)
- Why is Jesus the only one who can truly fix the problem of sin?
2. People need prayer.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course… And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
In times like these, it’s especially important to remember that people’s lives are on the line. Many children will go to bed in Afghanistan without the reassurance that everything will be okay. As our family went to bed last night, we prayed for those children. The persecuted church (Afghanistan ranks 2nd in the world for persecuting Christians) is now prepared for the worst, ready to give their lives and meet their Savior. In addition to praying for safety, we can pray for open hearts and open doors to the gospel unlike ever before. Jesus is the ultimate answer to the world’s problems.
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If you were in Afghanistan right now, how much would you want people to be praying for you?
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How do we know that prayer is powerful? (prayer is tapping into the power of God, God answers prayer, James 5:16, etc.)
3. God is in control.
2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Nothing that happens in the world ever catches God by surprise. Even in times of great suffering, God is always at work, and we have reason to always look up! There’s a bigger picture at play that sometimes only God can see. One day he will make all wrongs right. Until that time comes, we must trust him.
- Do hard times in life cause us to trust God more or less?
- What are some things we can do that show we are trusting God even when bad things happen?
Take some time as a family to thank God that he is in control, and to pray for those who are affected by this week’s tragic events.
