Abide | Midyear Prayer and Fasting (Family Devotional)Sample

The Word of God Is Like Rain

CONNECT

How Deep Does It Go?

Prepare:

• a glass of colored water (you may use juice or add food coloring to the water);
• another container (preferably see-through) filled with different materials like marbles, cotton, and small toys (or anything that can get wet or thrown out after).

Instructions:

Pour the colored water gently into the container filled with different items. Start with a small amount, and watch how deep it will go through the container. Most likely, even with a tiny amount, the water will still land at the very bottom.

This is how the word of God sinks deep in our hearts, once we hear and receive it. Even with a small amount, it will find its target—our hearts—in which God’s word will take seed and grow.

READ THE WORD

How do we know how God’s word works?

Let’s look at Isaiah 55:10–11:

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10–11 (NIV)

Just like how rain falls and waters and nourishes the ground that it lands on, the word of God will do its work in the hearts of those who hear it. All who hear it will be touched by it. For some, we can see changes right away. For others, it may take awhile. Either way, we can trust that God’s word will accomplish the purpose it was sent for.

Hebrews 12:1–3 says:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1–3 (NIV)

As children of God, let us continually persevere to fix our eyes on Jesus and on what He has done for us, knowing that Jesus saved us and will continually grow and mature us until we become perfect like Him when He returns.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kids

4–6 years old

• Do you like rainy days? What do you think will happen to the plants around us if there were no rain?

7–12 years old

• Do you read God’s word every day? How do you think it helps you grow?
• What do you think will happen if you stop reading the Bible?

Kids to Parents

• How can we continue to grow with God as a family?

Like seeds, our faith needs some time to grow. Isn’t it good news that God’s word is like rain that pours out from the heavens to renew our spirits and prepare us to grow in faith and walk with Jesus? Why not make a commitment as a family to read God's word and learn from it daily?

PRAY

Dear God, thank You for giving us Your word to nourish us and help us know You more. Please help us be diligent in reading and studying it every day. Continue to work in our hearts and minds so we can learn from Your word, grow, and have a deeper relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

DISCOVER

Speaking of rains, did you know that ancient Rome constructed aqueducts to collect and transport water to different parts of the cities? The first aqueduct was built around 312 BC. The purpose was to supply water from a fountain to a city cattle market. Later, its purpose grew until water was distributed throughout Rome. Eventually, this system became the springboard for the technology that gets water to our cities today.

Source:

Wikipedia. “Roman aqueduct.” Last edited March 7, 2022. Accessed March 28, 2022.