They too can put their hope in a God who never fails.
Dear families,
The children of Israel often gave in to worry and bitterness. Their attitude revealed deeper heart issues: their belief that God had failed to take care of them and would fail in the future. It was in the 40 years of wandering in the desert that God showed them over and over that He was worthy of their trust. Yet they still did not trust Him.
When God provided supernatural food for them to eat, they craved the food of Egypt. (Num. 11:4-6) When they first encountered the inhabitants of Canaan, they were filled with fear because they didn't trust that God would be with them. (Num. 13:33) God went out of His way to deliver His people, protect them, and provide for them. He showed He is all-powerful and trustworthy.
Read Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 6:20-24. Moses implored the Israelites to remember what God had done and testify to their children of His faithfulness. God had brought them out of Egypt to keep His covenant with Abraham. He gave them instructions for their good.
Meditate on Moses’ proclamation: "We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand." This truth is particularly helpful for us when we face difficulties and periods of anxiety. We can have peace in the present by looking backward in gratitude and forward with hope. When we look back at our lives and the millions of ways God has provided and protected us, our hearts should be filled with gratitude. Based on God's character as revealed in Scripture and in our lives, we can look forward with hope, knowing that God, who has preserved us, will continue to do so until He comes to bring us home.
As teach those around you, prepare your heart by reminding yourself of God’s faithfulness. Tell the kids in your family how God has shown Himself worthy of your trust. They too can put their hope in a God who never fails.
Check out the resources below designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. You can also find the Adult Daily Discipleship Guide that accompanies our adult groups.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Preschool: God was with Joshua and the Israelites as they went into the promised land. He showed His power to them so they would trust in Him. When Jesus came to earth, He showed His power so people would trust in Him and be saved from sin.
Kids: God went ahead of Joshua and the Israelites into the promised land. He showed His power to them so they would trust in Him. When Jesus came to earth, He showed His power so people would trust in Him and be saved from sin.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Preschool: What is the Bible? The Bible is God’s Word.
Kids: What is the Bible? The Bible is God’s Word that tells us what is true about God and ourselves.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Preschool: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
Kids: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
At Home
Family Prayer
Mornings: Praise God for one of His awesome works you’ve learned about from the Bible. How does remembering God’s works teach us more about who He is and what He can do for us?
Evenings: Praise God for one way He helped you today. How can God’s help today remind you to trust Him tomorrow? How can sharing the story of God’s work in your life help others trust in Him?
Family Activities
For Fun: Make a memorial wall in your home. Use objects, photos, or drawings to help your family remember the awesome things God has done in and through your family. Take time sharing the stories to one another and praising God for His goodness.
To Serve: Visit an elderly church member. As you share a meal or visit together, ask the person to share stories of God’s faithfulness to him or her. Encourage kids to ask questions and listen to learn more about who God is and how He displays His power.
Family Worship
Adult Daily Discipleship Guide
** Next week: The Bible Helps Us Live for God (2 Timothy 3)