Get the appA Kid's Guide To: Facing Fear With Faithਨਮੂਨਾ
When Evil Strikes
“This punishment is too hard!” Cain said. “You’re making me leave my home and live far from you. I will have to wander about without a home, and just anyone could kill me.” “No!” the Lord answered. “Anyone who kills you will be punished seven times worse than I am punishing you.” So the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn everyone not to kill him.
Genesis 4:13–15 (CEV)
Sometimes people go through really scary or hurtful experiences that can leave them with deep pain—not just on the outside, but on the inside too. Even after it’s over, those memories can still make them feel sad, worried, or upset for a long time.
This isn’t fair, we cry. And it isn’t. It isn’t right. And we often get frustrated when there’s nothing we can do to make it right or even get revenge. But the Bible tells us that God will bring justice. Someday, all evil will be punished.
The problem of evil goes back to the beginning. In Genesis, we find the story of the first murder—brother on brother. Cain, the son of Adam and Eve, murders his brother Abel without regret. So why are we focusing on Cain this week, a murderer? Aren’t we supposed to be learning about brave warriors?
We can still learn a lot from Cain. After what he did, God punished him. Cain was a farmer, but God sends him away from his land, never to farm again. But even in the punishment, the Lord shows mercy and concern for Cain and keeps him safe.
God wants us to love one another, not hurt each other. And unlike Cain, we should be sorry when we do wrong. God forgives those who repent. And when we get hurt, the Lord helps us heal and forgive those who hurt us.
SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING
Do you know someone wrestling with painful experiences? Commit to praying for them! Drop them a note telling them you are thankful for them, and you are thinking of them.
PRAY
God, you know people keep hurting people. Please heal those who are hurting. We wait for you to make everything right.
KEEP IT GOING
Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Please read...
Psalm 79:10
Jeremiah 7:13–15
Romans 12:19
Revelation 11:17–18
About this Plan
In this 5-day devotional, designed specially for kids between the ages of 8–12, you’ll explore the amazing stories of ordinary people in the Old Testament who found courage through their trust in God. Each day will show how God can help you be brave, too—no matter what giants, doubts, or fears you face.
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