Here is a 30- to 40-minute lesson plan that highlights the following lesson objectives: “Learn that through God’s help one can overcome obstacles and difficulties, and find peace and triumph despite setbacks” (Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Overcoming Obstacles-2b) and “Understand that sometimes God allows difficulties and hardships in one’s life as a test of one’s faith, to cause one to draw closer to Him for help and support, which results in a happier life; learn the importance of trusting God despite difficult circumstances” (Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Faith-2d).

Read “Restored.”

Explain that there is a difference between feeling bad about a mistake, a bad habit, a wrong attitude, or a shortcoming that pushes you to make amends and do better, and debilitating guilt that can sometimes make it very hard to forgive yourself and try again. Learning to grow and change from mistakes or shortcomings is an important part of life, but you shouldn’t let those past mistakes prevent you from wanting to try again or do something new. Many successes in life come after a failure.

Read “The Value of Making Mistakes.”

Talk about mistakes, bad habits or attitudes, or shortcomings in life that after the initial error could be a benefit or point of growth. For example, a conflict in a friendship that is worked through with communication and kindness can strengthen a friendship, while an error in judgment and a resultant bad decision can help you become more aware of pitfalls you might encounter so that the next time around you can do better. Explain how the key to moving forward after making mistakes (or falling into bad habits or attitudes and shortcomings) is that you don’t try to hide or ignore them, but instead you ask God for help and learn from where you went wrong so you can improve in the future.

Read “Remove the ‘Do Not Disturb’ Signs.”

Discuss ways that you can get God’s help for an area in your life that you’re struggling with. Some successful ways to do this are:

1. Admit that you made a mistake, did something wrong, or have a bad habit/attitude.
2. Look to those who can help you—your parents, counselors, spiritual leaders, etc. Ask them for counsel.
3. Study God’s Word for instruction and guidance that can help you change.
4. Make a plan for how to improve. Having steps you can take, even if you’re trying to change something difficult like a bad habit or attitude, gives you something practical to do on the road to change.
5. Don’t give up or get discouraged. Making changes takes time and effort, but it’s worth it!
6. Remember that God is always there to help you when you stumble or need a boost of encouragement.

Listen to “Never Too Late.”

Pray together for faith and courage to work through personal errors, bad habits, and wrong attitudes. Ask God for the willingness to change and perseverance to stay with it as you continue on the route of change.

Print out and memorize “I Will Help You.” Encourage the children to post this somewhere they can see it and be reminded that God’s help is always available.