When I Am Afraid: Discover4Yourself, Inductive Bible Studies for Kids
By Kay Arthur and Janna Arndt (Harvest House Publishers)
If getting young people involved in Bible study proves no easy task, finding a topic that meets a deep need in all children—and adults—proves even more arduous. But we would expect nothing less from the writing duo of the late Kay Arthur and Janna Arndt.
In one of Arthur’s final offerings, When I Am Afraid uncovers a deep need in everyone and directs readers to explore for themselves God’s answers and directions regarding fear.
Through Bible-based games and activities, 8- to 12-year-olds will dig into God’s word for themselves. They will peruse short passages, fill in blanks, and provide thoughtful, written responses to questions about fear.
The young Bible student explores “Camp Braveheart”—symbolizing time spent in the biblically based, kid-approved vacation of God’s word. The wisdom of seeing fear and insecurity from God’s perspective plays out in a summer camp theme.
Each of the six chapters consists of a unique, week-long Bible study. Key passages direct older children and preteens to take courage in the realization of Jesus’s presence. They are encouraged to cry out to him, as he holds all power and authority.
Conversely, Chapter Four points to the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. A definition of what that fear looks like, as well as why God deserves such fear crystalizes. The fact that we ought to fear God and not man turns up here. But rather than merely reading about this, the student’s own age-appropriate Bible investigation reveals the fact.
The learning, comfort and fun of each chapter revolves around activities particularly appealing to children. This includes the presentation of the gospel for young readers who do not know the Lord. Whatever the child’s spiritual state, crossword puzzles, fill-in-the-blanks, and an occasional drawing compel the individual to draw deeper into the text, soothing the fearful soul with the balm of God’s word.
Weekly studies direct young people to consider their reasons for fear. Then each reason—attached to a passage of Scripture—leads to biblical exploration in God’s word. Scriptural guidance unfurls, as the comforting canvas of the Bible raises like a tent over the young Bible camper. Strength and courage emerge as the character qualities that replace fear. Scripture outlining and games direct each hiker to that end.
Parents who enjoy Precept-Upon-Precept’s solid Bible studies and wish the same for their children will find just that with Kay Arthur’s Inductive Bible Studies for Kids. Oh, that we could all say with the apostles: “I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4, KJV), and “that from childhood [they] have known the sacred Scriptures” (2 Timothy 3:15, HCSB). When I Am Afraid furthers this goal.
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Bethany A. Noland
Rockwall
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