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Discover how to teach the story of God calling Abram with confidence. This audio guide explores the biblical narrative of Genesis 12, offering insights into Abram’s journey of faith and practical tips for leading the Abram’s Journey Map craft. Learn how to connect God's ancient promises to the Gospel of Jesus Christ while helping your students understand what it means to trust God in their daily lives.
God Calls Abram (Genesis 12)
Long ago in the city of Ur, a man named Abram lived a normal life with his wife, Sarai. One day, God spoke to him with a massive request: "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house. Go to a land that I will show you." God was asking Abram to leave everything familiar and head into the unknown.
Along with this command, God gave Abram amazing promises. He promised to make Abram into a great nation, to bless him, and to make his name famous. Most importantly, God said that through Abram’s family, all the families of the earth would be blessed.
Even though he didn't know the exact path, Abram trusted God. He packed up his belongings, gathered his servants and animals, and set out for the land of Canaan with Sarai and his nephew, Lot. When they arrived, God appeared again and promised to give that very land to Abram's children and grandchildren. Even though he had no children yet, Abram believed God and built an altar to worship Him.
Later, after returning from Egypt, Abram showed his heart for peace. He had so many animals that he and Lot had to move apart. Abram let Lot pick the best land first, trusting that God would still take care of him. God then reminded Abram of His faithfulness, promising that his descendants would be as many as the dust of the earth. Abram believed with all his heart that God would do exactly what He said.
A Curious Question
If God asked you to go on a journey today but didn’t tell you where you were going, what do you think would be the hardest part about trusting Him?
Jesus Connection
God’s promise that all families on earth would be blessed through Abram was the first big clue about His plan of salvation. This promise was fulfilled centuries later through Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abram. Because of Jesus, people from every nation can be forgiven and join God’s family. This shows us that God is a faithful promise-keeper who has been planning to reach our hearts since the very beginning.
Discussion Questions
If you were in Abram's shoes, what would you have been most curious or worried about as you started walking toward a land you had never seen?
God promised to bless Abram so he could be a blessing to others; how do you think our lives change when we focus on blessing the people around us?
When you feel uncertain or afraid about a big change, how does knowing that God is a faithful promise-keeper help you feel better?
"So What?" What Can I Do?
This week, when I feel scared or worried about something new, I will stop and remember that God is with me, just like He was with Abram. Because Jesus made me a part of God’s family, I can trust Him even when I don't know what will happen next. I will practice obeying God with my whole heart, knowing that He always keeps His promises to His children.
Memorize God's Word
"The Lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you." ~ Genesis 12:1
Use these hand motions to help kids remember God's call:
The Lord had said to Abram: Point up to the sky with both hands, then point toward a friend.
Go from your country: Use your thumb to point over your shoulder at the space behind you.
your people: Stretch your arms out wide to make a big circle.
and your father's household: Touch your fingertips together above your head to make a roof shape.
to the land: Hold your hands out flat in front of you as if showing a wide field.
I will show you: Point to your eyes with your index fingers, then point straight ahead.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for always being with us, just like You were with Abram. We are so glad that You are a faithful promise-keeper. Please help us to trust You with our whole hearts, even when we don't know what is coming next. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the greatest blessing for every family on earth. Amen.
Craft or Activity
Abram's Journey Map
Children will create a tangible reminder of the truth by mapping out Abram’s journey from Ur to the land God promised. This activity helps kinesthetic learners process the distance Abram traveled by faith.
Materials Checklist:
- Construction Paper
- Markers or Crayons
- Glue Sticks
- Star and Animal Stickers
- Scissors
- Glitter
Instructions:
- Provide a piece of construction paper and have the kids title it "Abram's Journey."
- Mark a starting point on one side labeled Ur and a destination point on the other labeled Canaan.
- Draw a wavy path connecting the two cities to represent the long walk Abram took in obedience to God.
- Add a bright star at Canaan to symbolize the land of God's promise.
- Use stickers or drawings to show Abram, Sarai, and their animals traveling along the road.
- Decorate the map with small altars or extra stars to remind everyone that God is faithful and always with us on the journey.
Teacher Tips for Impact
Use a Visual Map: Show the kids a real map of the Middle East to point out the actual distance between Ur and Canaan. Seeing the long path helps them understand the immense faith it took for Abram to obey God’s call.
Interactive Storytelling: Keep young minds focused by letting them help you tell the story. Have the children mimic your actions—like pretending to pack a heavy bag or shielding their eyes to look at the "dust of the earth"—as you describe Abram’s journey.
Emotional Connection: Lead a quick role-play where kids pretend to say goodbye to their favorite toy or a best friend. Ask them how it feels to leave things behind, then remind them that God’s presence made Abram brave enough to go.