This lesson teaches children that God is with them wherever they go, so they can be brave even when things feel big and new. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is always with me, so I can be strong and brave. I do not have to be scared, because God goes with me everywhere I go.
Memory Verse
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(WEB)
Stand up tall with your feet apart and make a strong muscle with each arm. Then put one hand on your heart and say the verse with the actions. Do it together three times so the words stick.
The Story: Joshua 1 for Kids
A long time ago, Moses, the servant of God, died. The people of Israel had walked through the wilderness for many years, and now they were ready to go into a new land. God chose a man named Joshua to lead them, and God spoke to him directly.
God told Joshua that the land was a gift and that every place his feet walked would belong to the people. God made a promise that no one would be able to stand against Joshua all his life. God said, “I will be with you, just as I was with Moses.” These were big words, and Joshua needed to hear them.
God also told Joshua to be strong and brave. God asked him to read the law and think about it every day and every night. Joshua listened carefully to these instructions so he would know how to lead the people well.
Joshua then gave orders to the officers, and he told the people to get ready to cross the river within three days. Some tribes had already settled east of the Jordan, so Joshua reminded them to help their brothers first. They answered, “We will do all you command, and we will go wherever you send us.”
Joshua’s people trusted God, and they were ready to walk forward together. They had heard God’s promise, and they chose to be brave because God was with them.
Read It Together
Joshua 1:5
No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.
(WEB)
Point out the words “I will not fail you nor forsake you.” Ask children to say what it feels like when someone never leaves them, and connect that feeling to God staying close to Joshua and to them.
Joshua 1:6
“Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
(WEB)
Show children that God gave Joshua a job to do before he gave him the land. Explain that God often gives us tasks and then gives us courage to do them, not the other way around.
Joshua 1:16-17
16 They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses.
(WEB)
Point out how the people answered Joshua with a promise to follow him. Talk about how we can say yes to the leaders God has given us, like parents and teachers, and how following them can be a way of trusting God.
Talk About It
- What did God say to Joshua right before he told him to be strong?
- When have you felt nervous about doing something new, and what helped you feel brave?
- Why do you think God told Joshua to read and think about his instructions every day?
- How can you remember that God is with you when you feel alone or afraid?
- What is one brave thing you could do this week because God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Strong and Brave Handprint Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace a hand on paper and cut it out. On each finger, write one word that describes being brave, such as “strong,” “faithful,” or “courageous.” Glue the handprint to a card and let children take it home as a reminder.
Follow the Leader Obstacle Walk
Set up a simple path with chairs, pillows, or tape lines on the floor. Choose one child to be Joshua and have the others follow close behind, saying “God is with me” at each step. Switch leaders so every child has a turn, and talk about how following God’s leaders can feel brave when we trust God’s presence.
Brave Words at Home
Give each child a small card or sticky note. Ask them to write or draw one thing that makes them nervous this week, then add a sentence like “God is with me.” Encourage families to place the card somewhere the child will see it each morning, such as on the bathroom mirror or inside a lunchbox, as a gentle daily reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s promises come before the task and give courage for it. Joshua was not sent alone. God repeated, “I will be with you,” and the presence of God, not Joshua’s own strength, is the source of his courage. The chapter also shows that God’s people are called to listen, obey, and support one another as they step into what God has given them.
With children, avoid suggesting that being brave always means feeling no fear. The text says “do not be afraid,” which implies that fear is real. Children may feel scared even when they trust God, and it is good to say that God’s presence does not remove every worry but gives us a reason to be courageous anyway.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are with us everywhere we go. Help us to be strong and brave when we feel scared or unsure. Teach us to listen to you and to the people you have given to help us. We trust that you will never leave us. Amen.
