WEEK 2 – STRETCH YOUR OBEDIENCE 

This is a student message that can be scaled to reach children or youth audiences. I recently preached this at The Calvary Academy weekly chapel.

Today we’re talking about something that isn’t always easy… obedience. But not the boring, rule-following kind — we’re talking about obedience that stretches you, just like a rubber band. Before we get into Noah’s story, I want everyone to stand up. Yes — on your feet! We’re going to stretch together.

First, reach your arms wide and stretch side to side like you’re painting a giant rainbow in the sky — big colorful swoops! 🌀 Now, pretend you’re a superhero breaking out of your costume — pull your chest back and your arms wide like you’re busting out of that suit! 🦸 Finally, stretch forward like a turtle trying to reach behind for its shell — come on, liiittle farther, little turtle! 🐢

Now pause. Stretching isn’t always comfortable, is it? It pulls. It burns a little. But stretching makes us stronger. And that’s exactly what obedience does. Obedience isn’t always comfortable — but it makes us stronger.

Let me show you something. Hold up a rubber band or resistance band. This rubber band by itself isn’t doing anything. When it’s not stretched, it’s weak and kind of useless. But when I pull it… and stretch it… again and again, it actually becomes stronger. It’s designed to stretch without breaking. And I want you to hear this:

Obedience may stretch you — but it won’t break you when God is the one pulling.

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NOAH’S STORY — GENESIS 6 & 7

Now let’s talk about someone who got stretched big time — Noah. God came to Noah one day and said, “Build an ark.” Not near a lake. Not by the ocean. Not when rain was falling. Nope — on dry land when there were clear skies and not a cloud in sight.

Can you imagine how wild that must’ve sounded? But Noah didn’t argue. He didn’t delay. He didn’t negotiate. He obeyed — even when it didn’t make sense.

Key Point 1: Obedience means trusting God even when we don’t understand.

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OBEDIENCE BEYOND COMFORT

Now let’s be real — Noah probably got laughed at. I bet people walked by saying, “Hey Noah! You expecting a flood in the desert? Should we bring floaties?” 😆 But did Noah stop? Nope. He kept building.

Why? Because real obedience takes courage. Sometimes it stretches your reputation — and that’s okay.

Key Point 2: Obedience stretches our reputation — and that’s okay.

Maybe your obedience looks like doing the right thing when your friends don’t. Or following instructions when it feels unfair. Or respecting a leader when you don’t totally agree. People might not get it — but God does.

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OBEDIENCE OVER TIME

Building the ark didn’t take five minutes. It wasn’t a weekend Lego project. It took years. That means obedience wasn’t just one moment — it was a lifestyle.

Key Point 3: Obedience stretches our endurance — stay faithful even when it’s slow.

Some of you are obeying in something right now — and it feels like nothing is happening. Keep going. Noah probably wondered when the rain would come — but one day… it did.

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STRETCH YOUR OBEDIENCE TODAY

So let me ask you this — where is God stretching you? Maybe He’s asking you to obey when it’s uncomfortable. Maybe He’s nudging you to do what’s right when no one is watching. Maybe He’s calling you to trust Him before you see the result.

You don’t need all the answers — you just need to trust the One who does.

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OBEDIENCE IN OUR SPEECH — STAYING OUT OF DRAMA

One of the biggest areas where obedience is tested? Our mouths. So let’s get practical. If you want to obey God — even in how you speak — here’s how Scripture tells us to stay away from drama:

1. Think Before You Speak — Proverbs 14:29
2. Choose Good Friends — Proverbs 13:20
3. Don’t Spread Gossip — Proverbs 11:13
4. Walk Away from Fights — Proverbs 14:7
5. Talk to a Trusted Adult — Proverbs 11:14

That’s not just wisdom — that’s obedience.

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CLOSING CHALLENGE + PRAYER

So here’s your challenge this week: Ask God to show you one way to stretch your obedience. Just one.

Let’s pray together:

“God, help us obey even when it doesn’t make sense. When You stretch us, don’t let us snap — make us strong like Noah. Amen.”

STUDENT HANDOUT

SERMON SLIDES