Jesus Gives You the Power to Have Joy

Acts 16:16-34

Our story comes from a book of the Bible called Acts. That name is short for “the Acts of the Apostles.” The word "Apostle" is another word to describe a helper of Jesus.

Our story is about two friends of Jesus. Their names were Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas loved Jesus and wanted everyone to know that Jesus loves them and wants to be their friend forever.


There was just one, big, problem. Paul and Silas were put in jail.


Being in jail is not fun. Paul and Silas could go not outside and talk with their friends. They could not go in the kitchen to eat a snack whenever they wanted. Paul and Silas had to just sit in jail. No favorite foods, no friends. It was a really sad time.


But instead of being sad, Paul and Silas chose to have joy! Paul and Silas began singing songs and praising Jesus with joy! Paul and Silas knew that even when they were in jail, Jesus was still their friend forever. And that gave them the power to have joy!


And later that night, while Paul and Silas were singing and praising Jesus, there was an earthquake!


When the earthquake happened, the doors of the jail flew wide open, but Paul and Silas didn’t leave.


They stayed to tell the guard about the power of Jesus so the guard could have joy, too!


Jesus is so awesome! He gives us the power to have joy no matter where we are! We can have joy at the playground. We can have joy at the doctor. We can have joy on sunny days. We can have joy on rainy days. We can have joy everywhere! When Jesus is your friend forever, He gives you the power to have joy. Jesus gives you the power to do everything!



Bible Paraphrase: I can do everything by the power of Christ. – Philippians 4:13, NIrV
Text Truth: Jesus gives you the power to have joy.


Family Devotional

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. — Acts 16:15

Our true Bible story was about two men named Paul and Silas. They were put in jail for telling people that Jesus is alive. But Paul and Silas did something wonderful while they were in jail that no one thought they would do. Paul and Silas chose joy! Instead of crying and complaining, they prayed and sang songs to God. Jesus gave Paul and Silas the power to have joy even when something bad was happening. Jesus really can give us the power to do anything!

I can do everything by the power of Christ. – Philippians 4:13, NIrV

With your family, make a list of things that make you sad or even mad. Even though these things may make you sad or mad, remember that God sent Jesus to give you the power to choose joy no matter what happens.

Pray with your family. Allow any family members to pray if they wish. Thank God for sending Jesus to give you the power to choose joy no matter what happens. As you read through your list, ask God's help so that (name of family member) may choose joy when (name of thing) happens. Ask that each family member will follow Jesus so they can love others the way Jesus loves them. Acknowledge God's love for you and your love for God.

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Story illustrations are the copyright of Sweet Publishing and licensed by FreeBibleimages (http://freebibleimages.org) for free download under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike 3.0 unported licence.
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