Little Girl

“… your right hand will hold me”

Psalm 139:10 (WEB)

The Syrians had gone out in bands and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little girl, and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 

II Kings 5:2 (WEB)

Our Bible study today is based on a great story from the Old Testament. 2 Kings 5

Many of you know this story about Naaman, the Assyrian general. However, in this study, we focus on a young Hebrew slave girl. Through her faith, she starts events that eventually lead to the salvation of this great man.

Naaman was held in high regard among his nation. But he was also a leper. When you have time, read the whole story and share it with your children and grandchildren. This story is rich with captivating characters and unexpected twists and turns.

This young Hebrew slave was taken from her home in Israel by the Assyrians. We don’t know details about her abduction, her age, or her name, but we know she was young, brave and faithful. God had a plan for her life and loved her. He included her story in His Book. “… “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him,” Ezra 8:22 (WEB)

He will cover you with his feathers.
    Under his wings you will take refuge.
    His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.

Psalm 91:4 (WEB)

The fact that she was taken against her will did not take God by surprise, nor does it make Him guilty of allowing a wicked act to occur. Genesis 50:20

Whatever we experience, as believers, God always acts to help us grow in our faith and to reach others with the Gospel. Our faithful response in every situation brings honor to the Lord.

Because this little slave girl believed in God and knew that He could help Naaman, she bravely told how God’s man, Elisha, could help him. 2 Kings 5:2-3 This act of devotion and belief lead to Naaman’s physical healing and according to scripture, his profession of faith in God. 2 Kings 5:15.

God loves for children to have a special place in sharing the Gospel. That is why it is so important to teach little ones God’s Word and to empower them to make their faith in Him the priority of their lives. Teach them how to honor God.

Sometimes children exhibit convictions that exceed their years. Matthew 21:16

The little slave girl was surely faithful and brave. Think of the young ones in your life that would respond to a challenging situation just like she did.

But just like the heroine of our story, children today are at risk amidst the darkness of this fallen world. It is vital to teach them the basics of faith in God—how to pray and stand bravely for their beliefs. The little girl in this story was trained to honor God before becoming a captive; she truly believed.

You can prepare your children to spot God moving in their world. You can teach them to follow Him and have the joy of fearlessly living by faith.

Children are being encouraged to think that God isn’t real. But God is powerful in this world.

Everyone has a choice to make. Pray for these young ones, not just for those in your family and social circle, but also for other children who are being led away from God’s moral law.

Don’t give up on young people who make mistakes. Pray for them and offer help when you can. Be someone they can talk to about anything. Show them important values like trust, loyalty, honesty, and courage through your actions.

Help them learn the value of choosing rightly when no one else is watching. In other words, may they most often be caught doing the right thing.

Love them, but don’t preach to them. Only the Holy Spirit can guide someone to find redemption.  

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God.

Romans 8:14 (WEB)

While your children are still living at home, get them into church. Talk openly about your faith. A true believer knows that while our faith is personal, it is never private. We are told by Jesus to share the Gospel.

Matthew 28:19

If you don’t have the answer for their faith questions, admit that. Help them understand that we will not have every answer in this life. And then try to find the answers that can be found, together, by reading the Bible and seeking guidance from a trustworthy pastor or other believer.

Teach them to pray. Jesus is their best friend. He walks with them when you cannot be there.

Every year as your children grow, be sure they know the age-appropriate responses to faith questions. They need to understand how to explain the plan of salvation in the simplest terms to their friends. As they have questions about difficult topics, be willing to learn together, from the Bible and reliable sources.

Josie learns the Lord’s Prayer

It was not, “Thy Kingdom come.”

It was actually, “Hallowed be Thy name.” Jesus was telling the disciples that we are to ask God to help them to know that He is holy and to glorify Him.

Prepare your children. These days, you can’t start too soon.

Matthew 6:9-13

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.

How beautiful are the feet of those who share the Good News!

Isaiah 52:7 (Paraphrased)