(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss the value of a lifetime of faith.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Ask: Does anyone know how old Caleb was when he spied in the Promised Land and when he took possession of the Promised Land? Enlist a volunteer to read Joshua 14:7-11. Point out that Caleb was 40 when he spied in the land and then actually took possession of his land at the age of 85, which was 45 years later (this included 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and allows for 5 years of battle to take the land). Ask: How do we know that Caleb maintained his strong faith in God throughout all those years of wandering in the wilderness and fighting for the land? How do you think his faithfulness impacted those who followed him into the land?
Point out that walking faithfully with God for decades of your life gives you ample opportunity to know God’s character and trust God’s promises. Ask: During those years, what types of opposition did you face because you chose to walk with God? List responses in a column labeled Opposition to Faith. Ask: What have you learned about God’s character through the years? List responses on the board in a column labeled Blessings of Faith.
Invite learners to silently identify people they know who are facing some of the same types of opposition for their faith as those listed in the first column on the board. Ask: How can we share what we have learned about God’s faithfulness to His promises with those who now face opposition because of their choice to walk with God? Encourage learners to share their ideas. Conclude by praying that learners will be willing to share with others the many things they have learned about God as they have walked with Him through the years. Pray that God will use their experiences to encourage others who now face some of the same struggles your learners have faced and overcome in their lives.