Daily Devotional for November 18, 2022
A Church Flock
“Look!” Dad pointed to the sky as he, Mia, and Kingston walked home from church together. “That flock of geese is flying south. Winter must be coming.”
Kingston had been waiting for this chance all day. “Speaking of winter,” he began hesitantly, “hockey season starts soon.” He paused. “The thing is, practice will be on Sunday mornings this year.”
“That’s too bad,” Dad said. “We attend church on Sundays.”
“But it’s only for a few months! Can’t I go?” Kingston pleaded. “I promise I’ll read my Bible at home.”
Their attention was drawn to another flock of geese honking loudly as they flew over. “Do you know why geese fly in a V formation?” Dad asked. Kingston shook his head. “It’s because the air behind the leader spreads into a V…something like the wake of a speed boat,” Dad said. “When the other birds follow in that V, a swirl of air actually gives them a push forward, making it easier to go a long way and not get tired.”
“Pretty smart,” said Mia. Then she pointed to a bird trailing far behind the others. “I wonder why that one isn’t in the V.”
“I suppose he may have been distracted or just slowed down to rest,” said Dad. “Now he’s probably having a hard time catching up.”
“I imagine he’ll be pretty tired when he gets to wherever they’re going,” said Mia.
Dad nodded. “God didn’t design geese to go the distance alone.” He looked at Kingston. “God didn’t design Christians to go it alone either. We gain strength from the support of other believers. Without it, we would be like that last goose—alone and struggling. And the church would be one goose short.”
“Oh, Dad!” Kingston shook his head. “The church doesn’t need me.”
“Oh yes, it does! Jesus created the church so we could encourage one another in our faith and offer support when someone is struggling. Every one of us is needed, because that’s one of the ways Jesus shows us His love and strengthens us—through the church.”
Kingston sighed. “Okay, I guess I’ll find a different hockey team to play on this year,” he said. “Hey, maybe we could start a church team—one that holds practices a different day?”
Dad smiled. “That’s a great idea!”
-Heather Tekavec
How about you?
Are you a faithful part of your church? Do you meet with other Christians regularly? Jesus didn’t intend for His followers to do life on their own. He wants you to gain spiritual strength from the friendship and fellowship of other believers. So don’t neglect going to church. You’re needed there, and you need the support and encouragement of others who also trust in Jesus.
Thank you for reading this Keys for Kids devotional! Did you enjoy the story? Has Keys for Kids been an encouragement to you and your family? If so, would you please consider supporting Keys For Kids Ministries in our effort to continue to provide these daily devotionals to children around the world?