Memory Verse
"Have I not commanded you?  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

Lesson
As we continue our journey through the Old Testament this week, the people of Israel have arrived at the promised land and they send spies into the land to scout it out.  The spies return, reporting that the land is indeed good, but he people are too strong so they should not try to conquer it.  Only Joshua and Caleb trust God's plan.

Because of their lack of trust, God sends the people into the wilderness for that generation to die off so that the next generation could enter the land.  God planned for Joshua to lead the next generation of Israelites into the promised land.  Joshua was not perfect, but His faithfulness reminds us of Jesus, who is perfect.  Jesus obeyed the Father and trusted His plan to save people from their sins.

Help your children to see how vital our total trust in God is, because that is an essential component of the gospel.

Starting Point
Whom can we trust?  We can trust God to take care of us.The Israelites did not trust God to give them the promised land.