Where Can I Get Some Courage?
Items Needed: Paper, writing utensil, bag or hat
Brainstorm situations where one might feel afraid and discuss ways to get courage.
Write each situation (some are given below) on a slip of paper and put them in a bag or hat.
You want to sleep at a friend’s house, but you are afraid.
You want to tell your friends about Jesus, but you are afraid they might laugh at you.
You see your younger sister being bullied.
You are afraid of storms.
You want to be in the school play, but you are afraid to get up in front of others.
You want to tell the truth, but you are afraid of getting in trouble.
Your best friend wants to cheat off your paper.
Take turns drawing a slip of paper and offering solutions (with words or by acting it out).
God told Joshua to be strong and courageous because he knew Joshua would face hard times as the leader of the Israelites. But God also promised to be with Joshua, and He is with us too. We can ask God to help us with anything! God gives us strength and courage. Our job is to trust Him. Work on trusting Him a little more every day!
Watch out!
Ask your child if they know what an obstacle is. An obstacle is something that blocks your way. Share some obstacles you have encountered and allow your child to share obstacles they have faced as well.
God knew Joshua would face many obstacles as the leader of God’s people, the Israelites. So God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Did you know we can be strong with more than our bodies? God wants our minds and hearts to be strong as well. How do we do this? We spend time in God’s Word. God’s Word strengthens our minds, teaches us to make good choices, and helps us control our emotions. Let’s be keep a watch out for obstacles and practice being strong and courageous when one comes our way!
Witness Courage
The best way for children to learn how to overcome obstacles and trust God for strength and courage is by watching others—especially their parents—face their fears and be courageous.
Here are some reminders for your family:
Trust God to keep His promises.
Be obedient to God’s Word.
Serve God faithfully.
Admit your fears and ask God to help you.
Our children will more than likely do what we do. When they witness you trusting God during a hard time, it will make an impression. When they see you admit your fears and push through with courage, they will imitate that behavior. Let’s give our children lots of opportunities to witness trust in the Lord and courage from Him.