Dear Parents,
Your child begins a new unit this week entitled Adventures with God. This unit is packed with widely known Old Testament truths in which God reveals His character and power. This first lesson in the unit, Joshua and Caleb, is taken from Numbers 13-14.
Moses calls out twelve spies from the tribes of Israel to spy out the Promised Land, Canaan, which God had promised to them when they left captivity in Egypt. The spies set out to observe their new land and to find out about the people, the soil, the cities, and the food. The spies were in awe to see their much-awaited Promised Land flowing of milk and honey, bountiful fruits, and good soil.
However, for most of the spies, their excitement soon turned to fear when they caught sight of the enormous people and walled cities that filled the land. Reporting back to the people, the spies terrified everyone by reporting that the people looked like giants and that they could never defeat the inhabitants and take the land.
Joshua and Caleb, however, stood firm in their faith and God’s promises. They boldly stated that God had promised them that land. They should not be afraid of the people there because the Lord was with them. The other spies allowed their fear to cloud their vision, and as a result, were not allowed to inhabit the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb were rewarded for their strong faith in God.
Sometimes just looking at an obstacle or task can be quite fearful, even if you believe God has called you to that task. Through this lesson, children learn that they do not have to succumb to their fears, but they can allow their faith in God to give them the confidence to face anything that comes their way!
This lesson can apply to a young preschooler afraid of walking into the classroom on the first day of school, or it can relate to a family moving away to fulfill God’s calling. Changes and new experiences can be quite frightening, but the love of God drives out all fear (1 John 4:18).
Whatever adventure God has called you or your family to, instead of giving in to uncertainty and fearfulness, come to God with bold faith and allow Him to direct your path.
Things to talk about at home:
- What are some big or scary things you have had to face?
- How did you face your fears?
- Did you turn to God when you were afraid? How did God help you through your fear?
© Bible Preschool