If your class is meeting online, invite students to bring supplies with them to class.

Earlier we learned Joshua had to be courageous in trusting God and His directions for overtaking Jericho. God’s directions were out of the ordinary. Joshua could have easily disregarded them and followed his own plans instead.  However, Joshua was tuned in to God’s voice. He had a personal relationship with God and because of His belief in Him, chose to follow God’s directions, whatever they might be.  In doing so, God led Joshua and the Israelites to a complete and total victory.

• Have you ever had to step out of your comfort zone to trust God? Tell us about it. (Answers will vary. Be prepared to share your own experience.)

We can trust God because we know He will protect us, guard us and take care of us when we are choosing to follow His directions for our lives. There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will.  Just as the Israelites wore their heavy armor for protection and marched around Jericho for seven days, God is our armor today.  He stands in front of us and He leads the way as we follow Him.  He is our real-life shield. 

Today we’re going to make our own shields to remind us we can trust in God because He is our protector.

Pass out supplies for each student to draw and design shields on their pieces of cardstock. (If your class is meeting online, invite students to have supplies ready at home.) On the shields, students should write out Joshua 1:9 as well as write words and phrases that will remind them to have the courage to trust in God. They can also draw pictures of situations where they’re in need of courage as well as how they plan to trust God. Examples might include: the words “trust,” “I will obey no matter what!” or “COURAGE!” Pictures might include: praying hands and an open Bible; a cross; standing up to a bully; witnessing to a friend, etc. Students can cut them out and pretend to use them as real shields when they’re finished.

You might want to play the following song as they work [3:15]:
SANCTUS REAL CONFIDENCE-Official Music Video

As time allows, have your preteens share their shields once they’re complete.

Remember, when we are listening to God and following His will for our lives, there is no safer place to be. It takes courage and bravery to believe God when life doesn’t make sense. But God promises to go before us and act as our shield, protecting us and teaching us His ways along the journey. 

Hang your shield up in your room somewhere you can see it.  Let it remind you Who is in control of your life. Every time you look at it, pray and thank God for taking care of you. Pray He’ll increase your faith in Him and ask Him to give you courage like Joshua. Then watch God take down the walls of Jericho in your life.

Pray to close.