My God Can | Object Lesson

Needed

• 1 clean 100-oz metal can (vegetables #10 size), lid removed
• Large printed label for the can that reads “MY GOD CAN” (tape it on securely)
• Acetone (full-strength hardware-store acetone in the metal can, not nail-polish remover)
• 8’×4’ sheet of white polystyrene (styrofoam) insulation, ½″ thick (peel off both films), or several 4’×2’ sheets
• Permanent marker with a wide tip
• Razor/utility knife and cutting surface
• Clear packing/shipping tape (for joining long “mega” pieces)
• Trash bags, paper towels, and a plastic scraper for cleanup
• Optional: nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a shallow tray to set the acetone can inside

Safety first (read before you prep)

Set up away from flames, heat, or sparks. Acetone is highly flammable and evaporates quickly, use in a well-ventilated room. Keep the lid handy to cap the can between segments to reduce fumes. Do not let children handle acetone or the dissolved foam “goo.” Position your table so students are at least 6 feet back; place the can in a tray to catch drips. Wear gloves/eye protection while loading and cleaning up.

Prep

Cut the styrofoam into 3–4″ wide strips that easily fit through the can opening. With the marker, print one “burden” or “lie” per strip (examples below). Make 12–20 pieces so you can pace the lesson to your group. Create one extra-long “mega burden” by taping two 8-foot strips end-to-end (or three 4-foot strips) and label it “My Plans / Hopes & Dreams.” Fill the can about halfway with acetone and apply the “MY GOD CAN” label to the outside. Set the can on your tray at center stage; keep all foam out of view until you need it.

You’ll show that the things that feel heavy or “too big” for us are not too big for God. As each labeled burden “disappears” into the can, reinforce that God is able to carry what we give Him, big or small. Keep language concrete for ages 5–11, and tie to salvation and daily trust: repent, be baptized in Jesus’ name, be filled with the Holy Ghost, and keep giving our worries and will to God.

How to teach it

Open by framing the can as a picture of God’s power and care: when we bring Him what weighs us down, He truly can handle it. Keep this in teacher voice; you’re describing what you will emphasize, not scripting lines.

Begin with a small strip labeled with something simple children understand (e.g., “Headache,” “Had a bad day,” or “Scared at night”). Slowly feed the strip into the can so students see it shrink and vanish. Explain that nothing is “too small” for God, He cares about the everyday things, too.

Move to common kid burdens: “Loneliness,” “Sadness,” “Fear,” “Peer Pressure,” “Confusion,” “Anger,” “Bullying,” “Family Trouble,” “Not Enough Money,” “Sickness.” Feed one piece at a time. After each piece dissolves, pause briefly and restate the truth in child-friendly language (e.g., “God is always close; He hears us,” “God gives peace when we feel afraid”). Keep the pace unhurried, let the visual do the work.

Introduce a few “heart” pieces: “Disappointment,” “Bitterness,” “Guilt,” “Bad Choices.” Explain that some things we hold onto actually make us heavier. Model the exchange: when we repent and forgive, God takes what’s hurting us and gives something better, clean hearts, joy, and strength. Drop each labeled strip into the can.

Build to the finale with the mega burden labeled “My Plans / Hopes & Dreams.” Acknowledge that this one feels different, we like to keep control of our plans. Teach that trusting God with our future is not losing; it’s trading our small plan for His better one. Feed the long strip in steadily so it’s clear the “biggest” thing can be surrendered too. This is your key moment: connect surrender to “Not my will, but Yours,” and reassure children that God’s plan is always good.

Wrap by pointing back to the can: it still has room. God is not overwhelmed. Invite the class to think of one thing they can give to God today (you can have them silently “write it in the air” with a finger). Encourage families to talk at home about a “give it to God” habit, praying together and naming their worries out loud.

Scripture anchors (work them in naturally)

• 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.”
• Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.”
• Philippians 4:6–7, Pray about everything; God gives peace.
• Jeremiah 29:11–13, God’s plans are good; we find Him when we seek Him with all our heart.
• Luke 22:42, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”

Keep your foam stack out of sight and bring pieces forward one at a time so curiosity stays on you, not the pile. Use brief, simple explanations between pieces (10–15 seconds), then feed the next one. Aim for 8–12 total dissolves for K-3 and up to 15 for grades 4–6. Celebrate quietly after the mega strip, don’t rush past the surrender moment

When you’re done, cap the can and move it out of reach. The dissolved foam (styrene gel) is sticky, use a scraper and paper towels if needed. Follow local guidelines for disposing of acetone and dissolved polystyrene; do not pour down drains. Store acetone in its original container away from heat sources.

End with a short, calm prayer you lead in your own words: thanking God for caring, asking Him to help each child trust Him with worries and plans, and inviting them to keep talking to Him all week. Keep your voice hopeful and practical, God really can.