Splash!
Theme: Those who trust in the Lord are secure.
Bible Verse: The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25)
Materials Needed:
• Bucket
• Water
Bible Lesson
Christians are not immune to worry and doubt in this uncertain world. They do not have to face the problems of life in their own strength, however. Their lives are built on a strong foundation that cannot be shaken. Whatever happens, believers know that the Lord is present from the beginning to the end. Remembering the Lord’s strength during times of trial will result in two benefits. First, Christians can testify to others of God’s grace. Second, this can be a time of spiritual growth. Life may be difficult at times, but it is also exciting to see how the Lord helps believers through tough situations. Their success lies in knowing that God is in control.
Science Activity
This is an activity that many of us did as youngsters. The trick is to twirl a bucket of water in a vertical circle without spilling. If the bucket is moved faster than a certain minimum speed (about 10 feet per second), the water cannot possibly spill out. At the top of the arc when the bucket is upside down, the downward gravity force simply causes the water to move in the circle rather than to spill downward.
Begin by showing everyone an empty bucket. It should have a secure handle that cannot come loose. Then pour about a quart of water into the bucket to show there is no trick. The amount of water does not matter; it does not affect the necessary bucket speed. After you pour water from a jar, you could also drop the jar into the bucket, just for good measure. Begin the circling motion with a few back-and-forth swings at the bottom of the arc. You will automatically feel how fast the bucket must move to safely revolve in a complete circle. You can then minimize the speed, slowing the bucket to the point where the water becomes slightly unstable at the top of the circle. This is also a good activity for a volunteer to perform. Make sure that there is adequate clearance on all sides for swinging.
Water in a bucket that is swung swiftly in a vertical circle will not spill out.
This busy life sometimes seems to whirl like the bucket, and we wonder if we have lost control. However, just as the water cannot escape the bucket, the Christian is entirely secure in the arms of the Lord.
Science Explanation
Circular motion is common in nature. Consider, for example, the moon’s orbit around the earth. Like the spinning bucket, the moon circles the earth with a constant speed of over 2,000 miles per hour. And yet there is no danger of the moon escaping into the cold depths of space or crashing into the earth. Instead, the moon remains within the firm grasp of the earth’s gravity force.
Circular motion always requires an inward pull. This is called the centripetal force, which means “toward the center” of the circle. It may be gravity, a string pulling inward on a ball, or a strong arm holding a bucket.
God’s strength may be invisible like gravity, but it is likewise dependable. After all, it is God who established gravity and the rules for circular motion.