Overview and Week 1 Resources
Courage Comes from the Lord
Courage is more than overcoming fear. The reminder to not fear and have courage is all throughout Scripture. But this is not a command to just dig deep within us. True biblical courage come from outside. This is found in our faith in God. When we are reminded that with God we have nothing to fear, we can start to put things in the right perspective in our lives. As we have conversations with our teens this week, we want to share with them that God gives us power, love, sound judgment, and peace to face all the troubles that life might throw our way.
In this month’s reading plan, we want to help you walk through the book of 1 Samuel. This book has so many great stories of courage and failure. We hope this narrative story gives you knew inside into having courage in your own life. Because there are 31 chapters in this book you will be doing a little more reading this month.
Chapters 1-7 of 1 Samuel
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread? (Ps. 27:1).
Lord, You are my light and my salvation. Because of You, whom should I fear? You are my stronghold of life. Because of You, whom should I dread?
Parent Pre-Reading: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment (2 Tim. 1:7).
I was reading in 2 Timothy 1, and it tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and sound judgment. How might this reminder help us when we find ourselves fearing and worrying about things we cannot control?
What are some things that have been happening in the world lately that give you concern or worry? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by these? Angry, apathetic, or some other emotion?
“I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful” (John 14:25-27).
What is the encouragement and reminder that Jesus is giving His disciples in this passage?
How might this reminder being encouraging to us as we find ourselves facing today’s issues?
How do you believe a Christian should live and act in today’s world? How are we different?
This week, we want to remind our teens that power, love, sound judgment, and peace all come from the Lord. A spirit of fear is not from Him. Praying for and over your children is an immensely powerful thing. Before your children go to school or start their day, spend a moment and pray for one of these characteristics over your kids each morning. Our teens need all these characteristics that come from the Lord to live out the beautiful calling that God has given them for their lives.