Daily Devotional for January 30, 2022
The Right Tools
“Hey there,” said Dad as Hazel pedaled her bike into the garage. “I’m just about ready to paint the lawn furniture. Why don’t you go put on some old clothes and come help me?”
“Okay,” said Hazel. She went into the house and soon came back in old jeans and a T-shirt. “All right, what do we do?”
“I’ll show you,” said Dad, handing her a paint brush. They got to work, and as they painted, Dad noticed that Hazel was unusually quiet. “Something bothering you, honey?”
Hazel sighed. “Alicia Parker hasn’t been to school for a few days. Her mom is sick, and some kids say she’s going to die. We’re good friends, and I guess I should go see her, but I wouldn’t know what to say.” Hazel sniffed.
Dad dipped his brush in white paint and stroked it on a chair arm. “I can understand how you feel, but I think you should go. I’m sure Alicia needs you now. In situations like this, you often don’t have to say much. Just be there and listen.”
“Yeah, but…I can’t do it, Dad. I’m just a kid.”
“I know. That’s what the prophet Jeremiah said when God told him to preach, but God said it was no excuse and that He’d give Jeremiah the words to say.” Dad motioned toward the chair Hazel was painting. “When I asked you to help me paint, I supplied the tools and the paint to do the job. When God has a job for us, He also supplies whatever is needed to get it done. Jesus is always with you, and He’ll help you know what to say to Alicia—and He’ll show you when it’s time to just listen. He knows exactly what Alicia is going through, and He’ll use you to show her His love and care.”
Hazel still looked doubtful. “Will it help if Mom and I go with you after dinner?” Dad asked.
Hazel nodded. “Having you come along sure would help.”
That evening, Hazel and her parents went over to the Parkers’, and Mom took along a loaf of fresh homemade bread. After a short visit, they headed back home. Hazel smiled as she looked at the moon peeking through the trees. “You were right, Dad. Alicia and her family needed us. I’m glad we went.”
-Barbara J. Westberg
How about you?
Is there something you feel God wants you to do—like visit a sick person, tell a friend about Jesus, or befriend a kid who is lonely? Have you been saying, “But I’m just a kid. I can’t do that”? If God wants you to do something, He’ll give you the tools you need to handle it. He is always with you, and He’ll give you the right words and show you what to do. Trust Him to help you do what He asks of you.
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?