August 16, 2026 �James 1:2–4
Don’t Fear the Test
I can ask God for help and keep going with joy.
Children’s Offering Project for 2026-27
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Read Today’s Bible Verses
James 1:3-4
3 You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. 4 If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.
Don’t Fear the Test
Have you ever had a hard day at school or a test you didn’t want to take?
It’s not fun—but what if I told you God can use even those moments to help you grow?
That’s what James teaches us in today’s Bible story: God uses tests to make our faith stronger!
The book of James was written to Christians who were facing tough times. �They were learning that faith isn’t just for easy days—it’s for every day, especially the hard ones. ��James wanted them to remember that God never wastes a trial; He uses it to shape us into people who trust Him deeply.
READ (NIV): James 1:2–3 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”�
James said that even when life is tough, we can find joy—because God is doing something good inside us. Every test helps us grow stronger, like exercise for our faith!
READ (NIV): James 1:4 “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”�
Just like a seed needs time to grow into a tree, faith needs time to grow too. When we keep trusting God, He helps us become patient, wise, and strong.
Even when we don’t understand the test, God has a plan. Every challenge, every tough moment, is part of how He’s growing us to be more like Jesus.
SUMMARY: God uses trials to grow strong faith and character. �Say together:
“I can ask God for help and keep going with joy.”
GOSPEL CONNECTION: Jesus faced the hardest test of all when He went to the cross—but He didn’t give up. He trusted His Father’s plan, and because of that, we can have hope and new life. When we face our own tests, we can trust Jesus to help us too.
James: God’s Story Video
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Song: Jump Around
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Sing & Dance Praise Party!
Dear God,
Thank you that we don’t have to be afraid of tests or challenges. Thank you for helping us grow stronger when things are tough. �Please give us patience, courage, and joy when we face hard days. Remind us that You’re always working for �our good.
In Jesus’ name, �Amen
�Let’s make an Apple Tree Growth Craft
Tests can feel big, but Jesus helps us keep going. God grows good things in us. Let’s remember, ”I can ask God for help to keep going and growing with joy.”
�Optional Group Game: Obstacle Course
Supplies Needed : chairs, cones, hula hoops, or classroom-safe items for obstacles, timer (optional), open space, optional: upbeat music for energy
Sometimes life feels like an obstacle course—full of things to climb over, crawl under, or get through. But the Bible says we can find joy in those challenges, because God uses them to make our faith stronger.
Setup: Create a short obstacle course using classroom or gym items (like crawling under chairs, hopping over cones, spinning once, etc.). Walk through it once so everyone knows the path. Explain that the goal isn’t to be the fastest—it’s to finish with joy!
How to play:
One at a time or in teams, have kids go through the obstacle course.
When they finish, lead everyone in cheering, “I can keep going with joy!”
Mix it up—have them try again with small challenges (like hopping on one foot or balancing something small).
In James 1:2–4, the Bible tells us to count it all joy when we face tests, because those challenges grow our faith. God never wastes a hard moment—He uses it to make us stronger and more like Jesus.
Home Connections-
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End of August 16 Slides