Scripture: Joshua 1-4
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God keeps His promises – even if it takes years to do it.
- Students will learn God wants us to obey Him – even in the seemingly little things.
- Students will learn God sometimes uses who we would consider unlikely people to do His work
- Students will learn why it is important to be obedient to God and remember his faithfulness.
Guiding Question: Why is it important to follow God’s commands?
Materials: Paint markers, sharpies, large smooth rocks
Procedure: Review the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant. Focus on God’s miracle and the importance of the 12 stones that served as a memorial for the event. Discuss with the students about why did all of those people choose to obey God even though they had questions, concerns and maybe even some doubts? Why is it important for us to obey God’s commands even when they don’t make sense to us? Explain that God knows what is best for us and will always keep his promises. We have to have enough faith and trust in Him to obey Him even when it is difficult or does not seem like a big deal. God rewards those who are faithful to Him and loves to show His people the goodness that comes from obeying Him.
Introduce the activity. Remind the students that it is important to remember when God has been faithful. Looking back on His faithfulness can help us during difficult times. Provide the students with large smooth rocks and have the students decorate the rocks to help them remember things God has done in their lives.
Additional Questions: How can students reflect on God’s faithfulness?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students create and use a “Faithfulness Journal” where they record daily something God has been faithful in providing for them.