TITLE:Things aren't always what they seemA
IM:Trust God - he knows everything
TEXT:Genesis 22
OBJECT:Magic book - described below

The magic book prop when worked properly shows first a blank book, then a book with outlines of circus scenes (like a blank colouring in book) and finally a fully coloured in book. Mine is called "A clown magic coloring book" from Haines House of Cards Inc.

Do the magic trick - ham it up a little.

Make the point that "Things aren't always what they seem."

Tell the story of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac. Make the following points:

• it must have seemed very strange to him
• it took so many years for him to have a son
• now he was told to sacrifice him
• Abraham had learnt to obey and trust God

Sometimes we don't understand why our parents, or teachers, or commanders or even why God tells us to do something.

It just may be that they know "the trick", what's coming up, what's good for you. just like the old chorus says:

Trust and obey,
for there's no other way,
to be happy in Jesus,
but to trust and obey.