Read: Deuteronomy 29:2-6

“And I have led you forty years in the wilderness,” Charlotte read aloud from her dad’s Bible. “Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet.” Charlotte looked up. “Those must have been some sandals! My favorite ones only lasted one summer.”

“You could have worn them longer,” said Everett. “You just wanted new ones.”

“The main point here is that God cares for His people,” Dad said. “He was reminding them to trust Him and be thankful for everything He provided for them—even things they didn’t always notice, like reliable clothing and sandals.”

After lunch, Everett took off on his new bike, heading for Liam’s house. Hours later, the two boys wandered into Everett’s kitchen. “Can we have popsicles?” Everett asked.

“Okay,” said Dad, “but then it will be time for Liam to get home and for you to put your bike in the garage. It’ll be dark soon.”

The boys looked at each other blankly. They’d been tearing around the neighborhood for a while—on foot. “Our bikes!” Everett exclaimed. “We left them at…at…”

“At Braden’s house?” asked Liam.

“No, I think it was at the park,” said Everett.

“Uh-oh,” said Charlotte. “If they’re not locked up, you might not see them again.”

“Let’s go!” said Liam, and the boys hurried out to find their bikes.

Soon Everett returned. “We found them! Liam rode his home.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” said Dad.

“Yeah,” said Everett. “It reminds me of the verse we read about God taking care of the Israelites. I think God did the same thing for me and Liam by making sure our bikes didn’t get stolen when we weren’t even thinking about them.”

“I think you’re right,” said Dad. “Of course, we need to remember that God taking care of us doesn’t mean difficult things won’t ever happen in our lives—it means that Jesus has saved us from sin and will be with us no matter what happens. But He does provide for us in ways we often don’t notice until later.”

“And He wants us to thank Him when we do,” said Everett. “So I’m going to thank Him right now for keeping my bike safe!”

–Donna Huisjin

How about you? Do you thank God for all He’s done for you? Even things you don’t always think about or notice right away? He provides you with things you need and protects you from things that could go wrong, even when you don’t notice. When you think of something He’s done for you—big or small—thank Him for it! It will help you see even more of His blessings in your life.

Today's Key Verse: I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet. Deuteronomy 29:5 (NKJV)

Today's Key Thought: Give thanks