Dad’s Umbrella

Bible Reading: Psalm 46:1-3; John 16:33

“I like walking in the rain,” said Ella as she and her dad headed for the grocery store. Dad held an umbrella, and Ella crowded close to him. Together they sauntered along, comfortable and dry under Dad’s big umbrella.

At the store, Ella and her dad ran into the Drews, who were former neighbors. Ella talked with her friend Lana while Dad visited with Lana’s parents.

“Have you heard about my brother Jackson?” Lana asked. “He was diagnosed with leukemia.”

“Oh, how awful!” said Ella. “I’m really sorry.”

“It’s been rough,” said Lana. “He’s only five, so it’s hard to see him so sick. He’ll probably have to start chemotherapy soon.” After talking a little longer, Lana and her parents left.

When Ella and her father started home, Dad held the umbrella over both of them again. “Did you hear about Jackson?” Ella asked.

“Yes,” Dad said, shaking his head and moving away from Ella to walk around a big puddle. “That’s very sad.”

“Dad! I’m getting wet!” said Ella.

“Oops! Sorry, honey.” Dad quickly placed the umbrella over her. A moment later he asked, “Why did you get wet when you were away from me?”

“Because it’s raining, of course!” replied Ella.

“True—but it’s still raining, and you’re not getting wet now,” said Dad. “Why is that?”

“Because I’m back under your umbrella,” Ella said, wondering why Dad was asking about such obvious things.

“That’s right, and God is like our umbrella. The Bible calls Him our refuge—our safe place. When trouble rains down on us, He shelters us with His comfort and peace.”

“But why doesn’t He just keep it from raining bad stuff in the first place?” asked Ella. “Why did He let Jackson get sick?”

“I can’t answer that,” said Dad. “I don’t know why He allowed Jackson to get leukemia. But I do know that Jesus promises to walk with us through life, even when it rains. He tells us to expect trouble in this world, but when it comes, we can stand under the safety of His umbrella. We can trust Him, knowing He’s saved us and will one day end our troubles forever.”

Ella huddled closer to her dad. “Let’s pray Lana and her family will feel God’s peace as they stand under His umbrella too.” -Holly F. Cepeda

How About You?

Are you walking under God’s umbrella? Jesus is a refuge in times of trouble. He wants us to feel His comfort and peace when we go through hard times. Bad things can happen in our lives, but Jesus died and rose again to save us so we could live with Him forever. He will end all our troubles for good one day. Until then, when life gets stormy, stay under the safety of His umbrella.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus is our refuge