Supporting Stakes

Bible Reading: Proverbs 6:20–23

Sophie watched her father pull out the stake that had been wired to a small tree ever since it had been planted. “What was that stake for?” she asked.

“Very small trees often don’t have the strength or ability to stand straight by themselves; they grow crooked,” Dad said. “The stake helped support this tree and keep it growing straight.”

“Then why are you pulling it out?” asked Sophie.

“The tree is big enough now to take any winds that come along,” said Dad. “It’s growing tall and straight because it was held in that position by the supporting stake.” He stood back and looked at the tree. “God often does the same thing with us.”

“He does?” asked Sophie. “What do you mean?”

“He puts people in our lives who support us and help us grow. Take you, for instance. When you were very small, your mom or I often held your hand when you tried to walk. Then as you grew and got better at keeping your balance, we let you go by yourself.”

Sophie nodded as she thought about it. “I still need help with other things though. Like my homework, sometimes. Or how to decide what I should do about some things.”

“And we’re always glad to help you,” Dad assured her. “But as time passes, you won’t need our help so much. When you’re all grown up, you’ll be ready to go on without your mom and me.”

“So that’s how I’m like the tree,” said Sophie. “When it was small, it needed the stake, but now that it’s bigger, it can stand by itself.”

“You’ve got it,” said Dad. “There’s a verse in the Bible that has encouraged your mom and me as we’ve raised you. It’s Proverbs 22:6, and it says, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ We’re teaching you about Jesus and what He’s done for you, and we’re trusting Him to help you know and follow Him in the future. No matter how big and strong you grow to be, you’ll always need Him. Never forget that.”

“Don’t worry,” said Sophie. “I won’t!”

How About You?

Do you appreciate your parents’ teaching and support? Or do you constantly fight against them? Like young trees, kids need help to grow strong—not only physically but also spiritually. If you have parents who are teaching you about Jesus, thank God for putting them in your life as supporting stakes that help you know His love and grow in the right direction.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 6:20 Obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Welcome your parents’ support