Introduction

You might notice that what your friends think is starting to feel very important to you. Sometimes it can be hard to do the right thing when you are worried about what others will say. Maybe you need to speak up about your faith in God. Or maybe you need to stand up for a friend who is being made fun of. 

This week we will learn that God can help you be brave. In the Bible, Peter stood up to powerful leaders called the Sanhedrin. God helped him speak the truth, even when it was hard. The same God who helped Peter can help you too.

Planting the Seed:

Can you imagine being thrown in jail for doing  what God told you to do? Well, that’s what  happened to Peter and John! They told people  about Jesus, they healed a crippled man in Jesus’  name, and the religious leaders put them in jail  for it! But rather than keep quiet and play it safe,  Peter gave a powerful speech that astonished  those who heard it. He showed amazing bravery  in boldly proclaiming his faith. 

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

Bible Point: Trusting God makes us brave. 

The Rock of Courage:

Many of the patriarchs in the Old Testament built  altars with piles of rocks in places where God had  spoken to them in a significant way. They did this  to honor God’s faithfulness or to mark meaningful  points in their walk with God. 

Gather enough smooth rocks for each member  of your family to have one. Then have everyone  write the verse from Joshua 1:9 on one side of the  rock and one way he or she wants to be braver on  the other side of the rock. Then pile your rocks in  a prominent place as a bravery altar, and pray for  one another to have courage. 

Throughout the week, pray for one another to be brave. 

Ready, Set, Grow! 

For your Daily Challenge this week… 

• TRUST God for bravery as you work to be nice to someone who isn’t usually nice to you. 

• TRUST God for bravery as you tell a non-Christian family member or friend about Jesus. 

• TRUST God for bravery as you ask God to show you the life God wants you to live.