INTRODUCTION

Joshua Becomes Leader of Israel

Bible Point:

God is with us.

Key Verse:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Big Picture:

Consider what it means that God is always with you.

Joshua Becomes Leader of Israel

Joshua 1:1-11

School, friendships, family situations, and responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming. You might know what it is like to be given a task that feels too big to handle. When that happens, it is easy to feel stressed or alone. This week, remember something important: God is always with you. In hard moments, confusing situations, and even ordinary days, God’s presence does not leave. You can rely on that. No matter what feels too big, you are never facing it by yourself.

PLANTING THE SEED

Think about the anticipation of being next in line for something big. Maybe it’s to be in the starting lineup on a sports team or to receive some new privileges that an older sibling has. In Joshua 1:1-11, that’s the position Joshua found himself in after Moses died. God chose Joshua to be Israel’s leader (NOT an easy task based on all the problems Moses had with the Israelites). God told Joshua to take over the land for Israel. But God KNEW what Israel would face in doing this. So God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. And God said it a second time—and God said it a third time! God didn’t just tell Joshua not to be afraid. God gave him a very good reason. God told Joshua that God would be with Joshua wherever he went. As he was about to lead God’s people into a foreign land, this was probably really encouraging news.

• When was the last time you were brave for God, and what were the results?

• Think about Godʼs plans for you. Where do you need courage to carry out these plans?

FAMILY FUN

Talk as a family about people you know who you admire as a Christian. Once you’ve found someone, take time as a family to pray for that person to know God is with them. While you’re at it, pray for each other that you may all be sure of God’s presence with you!

READY, SET, GROW!

• When you do something that’s difficult, ask God to be with you. Let your focus be on God’s presence rather than the difficulty.

• Talk to God all throughout the day, not just at specially planned prayer times. Treat God like a friend who’s always with you.

• Sing “God is With Us” or another song that reminds you that God is always with you as a worship song to God, asking God to continue to work with you to accomplish God’s loving plans.