Back to School Blessings: Courage & Trust Kids Lesson (Joshua 1:9)
LESSON OVERVIEW
Theme: Courage & Trust
Big Truth: God is with me at school and gives me strength.
Key Verse: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God is with you.” — Joshua 1:9
Bible Story: Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 3:5–6
Pillar Focus: Voice (God guides us)
1) Introduction:
A new school year can feel exciting but also scary. New friends, new challenges, new opportunities - it all forms part of what Jesus uses for good to grow and mature us, and also for us to have fun. Today kids will learn that God gives us courage and direction as we begin new things by looking at Joshua 1:9 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
2) Game: “Courage Course” (Memory Verse - Joshua 1:9)
Instructions: Create a fun and interactive obstacle course for kids to go through (if more than 1 team, have 2 or 3 entrances or obstacle courses). This can either be done indoors or outdoors. Use objects such as tape, chairs, and the memory verse printed on paper with an arrow pointing which way to go. Want to make it even more fun? Use a dark room with Glow in the Dark sticks to light a path, or use a blindfold and let a leader be the voice of God and guide kids through it. Divide into teams to make it more fun!
How to Play: As the kids go through the obstacle course, let them follow the arrows with the words of the Memory Verse on. Kids collect words as they go through the course. At the end, your kids should arrange them to say the verse!
3) Praise & Worship:
Instructions: Today is a very special day. To an extent, kids are learning to recognize God’s voice, so the songs and encounter time is very important. Let the Holy Spirit lead you!
Praise: “I’m in the Lord’s Army” (classic kids action song) + “Lace up your boots” (Circuit Riders)
Worship: “Trust in You” (Lauren Daigle kids version or simplified chorus) + “Goodness of God” (Bethel Church)
4) Bible Story Sermon (Matthew 9:37–38)
Introduction:
Hi Kids! Let’s talk about something new. How do you feel when you start something you’ve never done before? Who feels a little nervous? Who’s excited? Sometimes, we all feel both! No matter what you’re feeling, today’s Big Truth is that God is with us in every new beginning and He gives us strength for the journey.
Joshua’s Story:
Have you ever heard the name Joshua in the Bible? He followed Moses, who led God’s people toward the Promised Land—but Moses passed away before they finished their journey. That’s when God chose Joshua to take over and lead the Israelites to the place God promised, called the land of Milk and Honey. Imagine how Joshua felt! Leading isn’t always easy, and stepping into something new can be scary. But here’s the good news: God gave Joshua a job to do, and also promised him help for the task. Joshua did not have to be afraid—God was with him, and that gave him the strength and courage to move forward.
God’s Promise:
Look at the chalkboard as I write down God’s words to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Just like Joshua, we can rely on God’s promise when we face new things.
Trusting God’s Leadership:
There’s another encouraging verse in Proverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) When we trust God’s wisdom—above our own ideas—He guides us. So, when you face something new at school, make new friends, or step into a new grade, remember: God isn’t just cheering you on; He is walking right beside you.
Living the Big Truth:
Our Big Truth is this: God is with me at school and gives me strength! Every school day, challenge, and opportunity comes with the promise of God’s presence and help. When we put Jesus first and trust Him, it isn’t just about what we can do, but what He can do through us. God’s leadership makes us brave and steady—He invites us to rely on His strength instead of our own.
The Difference Jesus Makes:
Do you know what’s so wonderful about trusting Jesus first? The more we let Him lead, the more we experience His Spirit in our lives. Others may notice something special—God’s love shines through us! His Holy Spirit fills us and helps us show others what it means to let Jesus lead us and give us strength. When you are kind, courageous, and true, you are showing Jesus to your friends.
Closing Prayer:
Let’s pray together—repeat after me:
“Jesus, I put you first in everything I do!
Jesus, my trust is in you before my own understanding!
Holy Spirit, lead me today, in Jesus’ Name!”
5) Holy Spirit Activation
Instructions: Create a few Prayer Stations where Kids can write a Prayer Request to God. Naming each Prayer Station for a different purpose would be very helpful in helping your kids ask for Prayer. For Example: Prayer Station 1 is about School, Prayer Station 2 is about Family etc. The goal is for you and your team / you as parents to take these prayer requests and pray for them during this week!
7) Small Group Questions:
What makes you nervous about school?
How can you be strong and courageous this year?
Why do we need to trust God with all our heart?
What’s one way you can bring God’s love into your classroom?
8) Prayer:
God, thank You for going with me to school. Help me to be brave, kind, and full of Your love. I trust You to guide me this year. Amen.