The Power, Love & Sound Mind Safari Challenge
It was Saturday morning in Safari Forest, and the Kingdom Kids had gathered at Lion's Rock.
Ms. Rose stood beside three colorful baskets.
One was red, one was pink, and one was bright yellow.
Sophie bounced excitedly.
“Another challenge?! Oh, I'm SO ready!”
Ian stretched his neck toward the baskets.
“Interesting! These colors look very familiar.”
Timmy raised his trunk.
“Are there presents inside again?”
Bleu giggled. “Or maybe a surprise for everyone!”
Ms. Rose laughed.
“Not presents today, Kingdom Kids. Today we're going to practice living what we've learned from God's Word!”
She pointed to the baskets.
The red basket said POWER.
The pink basket said LOVE.
And the yellow basket said A SOUND MIND.
“Each basket has a challenge,” Ms. Rose explained. “But remember, we're not trying to earn these gifts. God's Word already tells us what He has given us. We're learning how to put His truth into action!”
“LET'S GO!” Sophie cheered.
Challenge One: POWER!
Ms. Rose reached into the red basket and pulled out a card.
“Your friend wants to try something new, but keeps saying, ‘I can't do it. I'm not good enough.’ What can you do?”
Timmy lifted his trunk.
“I know! We can tell our friend that God has given us power!”
“Very good,” Ms. Rose said. “And what else?”
Bleu fluttered forward.
“We can encourage our friend and help them try!”
Ian nodded.
“And we can remind them that learning something new takes practice.”
Ms. Rose smiled.
“Excellent! God's power doesn't mean we never make mistakes. We can depend on Him for strength to keep learning, do what is right, and stand on His truth.”
Sophie grinned.
“So we don't just SAY God's Word. We LIVE it!”
“Exactly!” Ms. Rose replied.
Challenge Two: LOVE!
Next, Ms. Rose reached into the pink basket.
“Two friends are playing together. One wants to lead every game and make every decision. The other friend feels left out. What can they do?”
Sophie raised her paw.
“Oh! I know this one!”
Everyone laughed.
Sophie smiled at Timmy.
“They can listen to each other, take turns, and make sure everyone gets to help.”
Timmy nodded enthusiastically.
“And they can remember that being a good leader means caring about others!”
Ms. Rose smiled.
“That's right! God's love isn't just something we talk about. It changes how we treat people.”
Bleu fluttered happily.
“Love makes room for everyone!”
Challenge Three: A SOUND MIND!
Finally, Ms. Rose picked up the yellow basket.
“Here's your last challenge. You're about to try a new activity, and a thought comes that says, ‘What if I make a mistake? What if I can't do it?’ What should you do?”
Ian stepped forward proudly.
“First, I need to examine what I'm thinking!”
“Go on,” Ms. Rose encouraged.
“I can ask, ‘Do I know this will happen, or am I imagining what might happen?’”
Timmy nodded.
“And we can remember what God says!”
Sophie shouted, “POWER, LOVE, AND A SOUND MIND!”
Ian continued.
“Then I can think about what I know, ask for help if I need it, and make a wise decision.”
Ms. Rose clapped.
“Wonderful! That's what it means to put God's Word into practice.”
The Final Kingdom Challenge
Ms. Rose reached behind the baskets and pulled out one last card.
But this card was blank.
“Kingdom Kids, this final challenge is different.”
The friends gathered around.
“Today, I want each of you to choose one way you can put God's Word into action.”
She looked at Timmy.
“Maybe you'll use the strength God gives you to keep trying something that's difficult.”
She looked at Sophie.
“Maybe you'll show love by putting someone else first.”
She smiled at Ian.
“Maybe you'll use your sound mind to think carefully and make a wise decision.”
Then she turned toward Bleu.
“Or maybe you'll encourage someone by reminding them of what God's Word says.”
Bleu twirled excitedly.
“I LOVE this challenge!”
Ms. Rose held up her Bible.
“Remember, Kingdom Kids, we aren't trying to become someone God hasn't made us to be. We're learning to live according to who we are in Christ Jesus!”
Timmy lifted his trunk.
“Then let's go live God's Word!”
And all the Kingdom Kids cheered.
That Saturday, the Kingdom Kids discovered that knowing God's Word is wonderful, but living according to His Word is how we continue to grow with God!