But What If?

I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 (CEV)

Sometimes the what-ifs attack us. What if no one likes me? What if my parent gets hurt? What if I try and everyone sees me fail?

Kids have to face a lot of what-ifs. But you also get to see a powerful God take care of you! He can turn the what-ifs into amazing things: What if you meet your new best friend? What if your parent does something great? What if you try playing tuba and end up performing well in concerts?

The Bible tells the story of Joshua. He was the kind of man who viewed the what-ifs through God’s eyes. Others were saying things like, “What if we lose the battle?” Still, Joshua charged ahead yelling, “God has given us the land!”

In today’s Bible reading, God puts Joshua in charge of the nation of Israel and sends him into enemy territory. God commands Joshua to ignore the what-ifs. “Be strong! Be brave!” God says.

You don’t have to feel brave to be brave. We can conquer our feelings and act in brave ways when God is nudging, pushing, telling, commanding us to step forward.

So, tell those negative what-if feelings to hush. Tell them the Lord is with you and will help you. Then go be brave!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Doodle any of the words from today’s verse that stand out to you in a journal or on some paper. As you do, ask the Lord to help to make you strong and brave.

PRAY

God, I can get pretty worried about all the what-ifs. But you are powerful, so I can be brave.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Please read...

Joshua 11:23

Psalm 27:1

Matthew 28:20b

Ephesians 6:10