Good News Bad News

March 5, 2022

Bible Readings

Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.

Nehemiah 1

Memory Verse

John 16:33b

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (CEV)

written by Ron VandenBurg
illustrated by Chad Thompson

Casey, Tori, and Jack are at the kitchen table. Mom has laid placemats that are maps in front of Jack and Tori. Mom lays the last one in front of Casey. Everyone is curious. It’s a new thing. Dad is in the background getting supper ready. Looking at his map as mom is laying the last map, Jack says, “New dinner placemats? Why are they world maps?”

Mom stops at the head of the table. She holds up one of the placemats so we see the world map on it. Dad is still in the background but looking over. “Now each day, we can look at different countries and pray for them.” The kids' faces show that they are thinking this through.

Casey says, “Good idea! How else can we pray for the people in other countries unless we know where that country is!” Everyone is smiling. Dad brings over the casserole and Mom the salad because supper’s ready!

Print Comic

Have you ever been upset by something in the news? Maybe you heard about a terrible crime, or saw a picture of war, or watched a video about people who don’t have clean water. Perhaps you heard about people who are being persecuted, punished, or put in prison for their faith. You may feel like there’s no way you can help, but there is: you can pray for God’s justice in the world.

There was a man in the Bible named Nehemiah who was upset by some news. When he heard that his people were in trouble, he got on his knees and prayed. He knew his people were not perfect and asked for God’s mercy. He prayed for them to come back home to worship God.

Then, after he prayed, he went into action. He asked God to give him wisdom as a leader, and God had mercy on his people and helped them. Nehemiah relied on God to bring justice in his way, in his timing.

Jesus assures us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). He understood that it’s natural to feel discouraged when you hear bad news. But, he promised us that we can take courage, because God’s good news still overcomes all the bad news. God wants us to come to him like Nehemiah did, humbly asking for his mercy; praying for justice in a world that needs Jesus.

Prayer

Dear God, please have mercy on your people. The world is a sinful place, but thank you that Jesus paid the price for our sins once and for all. Please help me to follow you and show your love through my actions, by seeking justice and showing mercy like Jesus. Amen.

Related Resources

Liz and Friends

Epic Story: Part 1

Bible Story

The Story of Nehemiah

Liz and Friends

Buckethead

Liz and Friends

Consider It Pure Joy

Kids In Action Episode

A Heart for Justice

Areo Keller-Donahue

As soon as Areo could pick up a popsicle stick, she was making puppets and putting on plays that shared her faith with her neighbors. Areo grew up with a strong interest in musical theatre and earned her BFA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Areo was led to use artistic gifts to share the gospel with young ones, and she became involved in ministry. She has worked in children's ministry at Redeemer Upper West Side and North Way Christian Community and is currently developing a musical live-action series that celebrates faith and fun. Areo and her husband live in Pittsburgh, where they enjoy spending time with their families and adorable cat, Daisy.