"BE"- A Series on the Courage of Joshua

"Courage is not the absence of fear, courage is how you respond to the face of fear." The word "courage" isn't used much in today culture. We use words like "guts", "being brave", and having "boldness." Whatever word you choose to use, the truth is still the same-we are constantly being put in situations where God is calling us to be courageous- to make a move not because we are fear-less, but because He is bigger than our fears. For the next three weeks, we are going to look at the life of Joshua. We will see how God calls him to a courageous life, how his courage and faith helped him in times of darkness, and how the courageous life that he lived led him to a deeper understanding of God's love for Him and His people.
(Use the parent cues after each week to further dicussion in your family!)


Week 1: "Courage Leads to Action"- November 21
In Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, we see God prepping Joshua's life for the call He will give him in Joshua chapter 1. Students will be challenged to look at the decisions that they presently are facing with courage knowing that God has been preparing them all along.

Parent Cue: Talk about courage as a family. How would you define the word "courage?" When was there a time in your life when you had to be "strong and courageous?" Looking back, can see how God was preparing you for the moment? Was there ever a time when you felt God calling you to be courageous, but you struggled to do so?


Week 2: "Courage in the Midst of Darkness"- December 5
So you've made the courageous decision that God has laid on your heart- now what? During this week, we will see how Joshua's courage was strong enough to keep him moving forward, even in the midst of trouble and hurt. Students will be encouraged to understand that although God doesn't promise us a perfect, easy life when we live a life of courage, He does promise to never leave us (Joshua 1:5).

Parent Cue: Think about a time when you were courageous and things "didn't work out." How did you respond? Did you get angry at God? Yourself? Were you able to fight through with God's help? How does courage help you persevere when things don't turn out like you would hope?


Week 3: "Courage Helps Us See God's Plan"- December 12
Ever get to the end of a road and look back to see where you have come from? At the end of Joshua's life, he is able to look back and see how God had been faithful to Him. Why was He able to do this? Because he trusted in God's promises and made a courageous move. Students will be challenged to see how the courage they have each day, drives them closer to God's love and faithfulness.

Parent Cue: Share about a time when you made a courageous decision. How did that decision draw you closer to God? Seeing that God was in control the entire time, did it make the next courageous decision that much easier? Why or why not? Read James 1:2-4. Perseverance is connected with faith...how are faith and courage alike? And how does courage lead to deeper perseverance and faith in God?