Joshua, “Not Enough?”
For forty years, the Israelites had one leader: Moses. He was the one who spoke for them, kept them safe, and helped them talk to God. But now, Moses was gone.
Joshua stood all alone on the banks of the Jordan River. When he looked across the water, he saw a new land filled with giant walls and scary challenges.
Joshua wasn’t just starting a new job; he was starting a mission that felt impossible.
He probably felt like he was wearing "mismatched shoes" trying to walk in the footsteps of a giant leader while leading a group of people who were just as scared as he was. In that shaky, uncertain moment, God spoke. He didn't give Joshua a map or a secret plan. Instead, He gave him a promise:
"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
For our littles, the "Jordan River" is anything that feels too big to cross. It’s the first day in a new classroom, the move to a new house, or the transition from a toddler bed to a "big kid" bed. In these moments their world feels shaky and the old comforts (their "Moses") aren't there in the same way.
We want to move them from the fear of "I’m not big enough" to the faith of "God is big enough." Joshua didn’t need to be a giant to face giants; he just needed to know that the Creator of the stars was standing on the riverbank with him. By the end of this mission, your little Recruit will know that God’s presence is their "secret strength"
Lets break it down!
Engage:
Place a line of tape or a rug on the floor. "This side is what you already know. Across the 'river' is the New Land God promised, full of big adventures and unknown giants."
The Heavy Heart: "Close your eyes. Imagine you’re carrying a backpack full of everyone’s worries. That’s how Joshua’s heart felt. Does your heart ever feel 'heavy' when you have to try something new?"
The Big Stare: "Look across the water. If you saw big walls and scary challenges, would you whisper 'I want to go back' or 'I’m ready to go'?"
The Blind Step: "Now, take one giant step across the line with your eyes shut! It’s scary when you can’t see what’s next, right? But just as Joshua stepped, he felt a Hand on his shoulder."
God told Joshua: 'Don’t lose heart.' He promised that everywhere Joshua’s foot touched, God was already there. You aren’t stepping into the dark; you’re stepping into God’s light."
Apply:
The "New Land" List: Ask your Recruit, "What feels like a big river this week?" Give them examples:
Walking into a classroom where they don't know everyone.
Trying a new food that looks "giant-sized" scary.
Going to sleep without the hall light on.
Practicing a sport or a skill that feels hard to learn.
The Footprint Step: When they are standing at the "edge" of that moment (like the car door opening at school or the bedroom door closing at night), have them take one intentional, heavy step. Tell them: "That’s you stepping into God’s light. He’s already in that room waiting for you."
The "Me Too" Moment (For Parents): This is your most powerful tool. Share a "river" you are facing.
Repeat & Reinforce:
The "Mismatched Shoe" Race":
Have your little one put on the biggest pair of shoes in the house and race to a finish line across the room.
"Joshua felt like he had giant shoes to fill, and the path ahead was shaky. But he didn't have to grow bigger feet to succeed, he just had to hold onto God’s hand to stay steady!"
The "Courage Compass" Plate:
Create a paper plate compass with a spinning arrow and Joshua 1:9 in the center. Label the edges with "New Lands" like School, Bedtime, or Doctor.
"A compass tells you where to go so you don’t get lost. No matter which way your day turns, God’s presence is the True North that is always right there with you!"
The "Invisible Presence" Jar:
Stir a spoonful of salt into a clear jar of water until it completely disappears.
"Even though you can’t see the salt anymore, it is still filling every single drop of water. You might not see God with your eyes, but He can saturate every part of your day!"
The "Sponge of Strength" Soak
Let your little feel a dry, crunchy kitchen sponge, then dip it in water until it is heavy, soft, and full.
"When we feel dry and 'crunchy' with fear, God’s Word fills us up. Being brave doesn't mean having big muscles; it means being so full of God’s presence that His love is what comes out when life gives us a squeeze!"
Closing Thought:
Don't be afraid of the new "rivers". They aren't meant to stop you; they are just the starting line for your next adventure! It’s right at the edge of the unknown where God’s presence feels the closest and His promise shines the brightest.
I’ll leave you with this 2 min video “Joshua Leads (Joshua 1)” Saddleback Kids
For even more hands-on fun, pair this mini-devo with the activity sheet below.
Love,
Gi 🤍
Joshua Activity Sheet
Help your child step into the bravery of Joshua with this engaging 2-page printable inspired by Joshua 1:9. Designed to turn big biblical truths into fun, hands-on learning, this activity pack builds both faith and foundational skills.
Page 1: The Courage Toolkit
Includes a color-by-number “STRONG,” letter search, emotion reflection, and a simple prayer.
Page 2: I Spy the Promised Land
A count-and-color activity featuring pomegranates, figs, grapes, and swords to build early math skills.
Perfect for home, Sunday school, or family devotion time. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, this printable makes learning about courage meaningful, interactive, and fun at home, in Sunday school, or during family devotion time
Joshua Leads (Joshua 1)
