Conversation Starters: Lead with Confidence
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We all encounter opportunities to move outside our comfort zone. To do something we’ve never done before. Do you hesitate in those moments, or do you take a flying leap? Joshua was called to a difficult challenge: to lead the people across the flooded Jordan River into the land God had promised them. This was a significant test for Joshua because he had just become the leader of God’s people. He was brand new to leadership. Joshua’s response teaches us how to lead well when we’re outside our comfort zone.
Concept: Lead with Confidence
Preschool
Joshua 3:1-4:17
LIFE POINT: Joshua and the people of Israel set up their tents near the Jordan River. The people packed up their tents. God told Joshua to lead the people across the river. God would be with them. The priests went ahead of the people. They carried the ark of the covenant, a special gold-covered box that held the Ten Commandments. When the priests stepped into the river, the water stopped flowing. The priests stood in the middle of the river until all the people crossed on dry ground. Joshua told 12 men to pick up stones from the dry ground and carry them to the other side. The men obeyed. Then the priests crossed. As soon as the priests stepped out of the river, the water began to flow again. Joshua stacked the 12 stones the men brought out of the river so that the people would remember that God took care of them.
LIVE IT OUT: Read the verses in The Message translation of the Bible. Choose a verse for you and your child to memorize together. Give your child stickers to decorate the verse. Comment throughout the week that God wants us to do what He says.
Kids
Joshua 3:1-4:17
LIFE POINT: Joshua and the people of Israel set up their tents near the Jordan River. The people packed up their tents. God told Joshua to lead the people across the river. God would be with them. The priests went ahead of the people. They carried the ark of the covenant, a special gold-covered box that held the Ten Commandments. When the priests stepped into the river, the water stopped flowing. The priests stood in the middle of the river until all the people crossed on dry ground. Joshua told 12 men to pick up stones from the dry ground and carry them to the other side. The men obeyed. Then the priests crossed. As soon as the priests stepped out of the river, the water began to flow again. Joshua stacked the 12 stones the men brought out of the river so that the people would remember that God took care of them.
LIVE IT OUT: What are the qualities of a leader? Help your child research Joshua and what made him a great leader. Help your child to understand that Joshua was a great leader because he listened to God.
Students
Joshua 3:7-17
THE POINT: Lead with an attitude of confidence in God. Do you run toward or away from new opportunities? Explain. Tell your student about a time you ran toward or away from a new opportunity. Discuss this quote:
“Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you.”1 —Andrew Murray
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he or she plans to complete Dive In:
• Share with your student an area where you find it difficult to trust God. Then ask him or her to do the same.
• Pray together about your fears, asking God for strength to step into the water.
If he or she plans to complete Bad Company:
• Talk with your student about the people he or she listens to. Help him or her identify which of those influences are positive and which are negative.
1. Andrew Murray, Living a Prayerful Life (Bloomington: Bethany House, 2002), 33.
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