Jonah and the Whale: A September Journey of Obedience, Grace & Second Chances
Sometimes God asks us to do things that feel difficult.
Maybe it means being kind to someone we don't get along with. Telling the truth when it would be easier to hide what happened. Making the right choice when everyone else is going the other direction. Or trusting God when His plan doesn't make sense to us yet.
Jonah knew exactly what God wanted him to do—but instead of obeying, he ran the other way.
This September, we're diving into the unforgettable story of Jonah and the Whale (Jonah 1–3).
God called Jonah to travel to the city of Nineveh and deliver an important message to the people there. But Jonah didn't want to go. Instead, he boarded a ship headed in the opposite direction.
Then everything changed.
A terrible storm arose at sea, and Jonah eventually realized that running from God wasn't going to solve anything. After Jonah was thrown overboard, God prepared a great fish to swallow him.
"Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."
Jonah 1:17 (KJV)
Inside the great fish, Jonah prayed. He turned back to God—and God gave him another chance.
Jonah's story reminds us that we can't run away from God's presence or His plans. And even when we make the wrong choice, God can forgive us, redirect us, and give us another opportunity to obey.
Little Disciples (Ages 3–7)
Our Little Disciples box introduces young children to Jonah's incredible adventure through hands-on learning, imaginative play, and creative activities.
Inside this month's box, children will discover:
- A colorful Jonah and the Whale Bible story booklet filled with activities and stickers
- A large, cuddly plush whale perfect for imaginative play
- An ocean-themed sensory kit featuring blue kinetic sand and a tiny whale
- A fun whale clip craft
- A Jonah and the Whale diorama activity
- Scripture memory activities
- Interactive learning pages created especially for little learners
Through play and creativity, children will learn a simple but powerful truth: God wants us to listen, trust, and obey Him.
They'll also discover that when we make a mistake, we can turn back to God and ask for His forgiveness.
Faith Builders (Ages 8–12)
As children grow, Jonah's story opens the door to deeper conversations about obedience, consequences, repentance, forgiveness, and second chances.
This month's Faith Builders box includes:
- An in-depth Jonah and the Whale Bible study booklet
- Scripture memory activities
- A large plush whale
- An ocean-themed sensory experience with blue kinetic sand and a tiny whale
- A creative whale clip craft
- Journaling and reflection activities that help kids connect Jonah's choices to their own lives
- Engaging activities that make Scripture memorable
As Faith Builders explore Jonah 1–3, they'll be encouraged to think about what obedience looks like in everyday life.
What happens when we know the right thing to do but choose something else?
What should we do when we've made a mistake?
And what does Jonah's story teach us about a God who gives second chances?
BONUS: Children enrolled in a 6- or 12-month journey will also receive a special Jonah card game for even more hands-on learning and family fun!
Warriors of Truth (Ages 13–18)
Our Warriors of Truth monthly packet takes Jonah's story beyond the familiar tale of a man and a giant fish and challenges teens to examine their own choices, direction, and relationship with God.
September's packet includes:
- An in-depth Bible study on Jonah 1–3
- A Scripture mastery card
- Reflection and journal pages
- A monthly faith challenge centered around obedience, repentance, and service
- A "Did You Know?" page exploring the history and geography surrounding Jonah's journey
- A collectible clay ocean bead for the Field Guide keychain
- A sturdy lined notebook for writing, planning, journaling, and personal study
- An editable Personal Bubble Map project that helps teens identify goals and priorities in areas such as school, work, friendships, and family
This month's study challenges teens to consider an important question:
When God points me in one direction, will I follow—or will I run the other way?
Jonah discovered that running from God didn't bring freedom. It only took him farther away from where he was supposed to be.
But his failure wasn't the end of his story.
God heard Jonah's prayer. God rescued him. And God gave him another opportunity to fulfill his calling.
A Month of Obedience, Grace & Second Chances
Jonah and the Whale is one of the most recognizable stories in the Bible, but its message goes far beyond the great fish.
It's a story about obedience.
It's a story about consequences.
It's a story about repentance.
And most importantly, it's a story about a God whose mercy is greater than our mistakes.
Whether your child is hearing Jonah's story for the first time, beginning to understand what obedience means, or digging deeper into Scripture as a teenager, our September resources are designed to help God's Word become something they don't just read—but something they can apply to their everyday lives.
Through sensory play, crafts, Bible study, Scripture memory, journaling, hands-on projects, and meaningful family conversations, children and teens can spend September discovering that we don't have to be perfect to be used by God.
When we get off course, we can turn back.
When we make the wrong choice, we can repent.
And when God calls us, we can choose to trust Him and go where He leads.