BRAVE

Today’s theme is one that’s written in the dirt of every road we've had to walk: Brave.

Not fearless, not flawless—just brave. And not because we’re naturally bold or strong, but because God walks with us across every Jordan River of our lives. We’ll be talking about what bravery looks like every day—when you’re stepping into the unknown, making tough decisions, or just doing the next right thing even when your knees are shaking.

Joshua 4:20–24 (NLT):"It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, 'In the future your children will ask, What do these stones mean?' Then you can tell them, 'This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' ... He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”

Sometimes, being brave today means looking back at the moments God carried you before—those "piles of stones" in your story that remind you of His faithfulness.

In our Scripture today, Joshua 4:20–24, Joshua’s 12 stones weren’t just decoration—they were a marker of God's faithfulness. What markers do you have in your life?

Maybe it's that time you made it through a difficult season or when you had just enough strength to keep going.

With God, you don’t have to pretend to be brave. You just have to remember God already got you through something.

What’s a “stone” from your past that proves God showed up?

One of the hardest forms of bravery? Honest conversations.

Whether it's standing up for your faith, setting boundaries, or simply telling someone how you really feel—it’s nerve-wracking. We can feel like we might be doing something wrong by being honest, but honesty with love is needed. It’s all brave.

Even Joshua had to rally his people to believe—he didn’t do it alone. The Israelites, by this time, had crossed many paths and God was always there. But even then, Joshua had to rally them and leave stacked stones behind as a reminder for them and the future generations.

Who do you need to talk to this week with courage and love?

Ask God to guide you and remember the stacked stones in your life that remind you who God is and that He will guide you.

The world we live in can bring a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, and when raising our children, we have to be brave. It really takes us fully trusting God to parent through us and to know that He has our kids in His hands.

Sometimes bravery as a parent looks like letting go of control and holding onto God’s promises tighter.

My oldest son used to struggle with anxiety pretty badly, and I did a lot of talking and prepped him on how to combat his feelings. My husband and I pray over our kids and ask that we will guide them the best we can through Jesus. Now I watch my oldest jump into things with no problem, and I’m so thankful that God worked through our words and prayers to strengthen him.

We’ve talked about remembering the brave behind us—now let’s step into the brave we’re living today. Bravery is often messy. It doesn’t always come with a soundtrack and a victory speech. Sometimes it comes with tears, laughter, or a deep breath.

Sometimes courage looks like living with joy in the middle of stress.

Shift your mindset and know that today isn’t about surviving—it’s about showing up with grace.

The world says, “Go harder.” But God often says, “Be still.”

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stop. Rest. Breathe.

Even if your faith feels fragile, it’s the step that counts. It’s acknowledging that you need a moment and taking it. Spending time clearing our minds to hear God—or just to receive peace from God—is all we need sometimes.

What can you pause or delegate this week to make space for rest?

Maybe it’s before a big decision, or maybe you just need a reminder that you aren’t alone. Step forward in your faith and let God give you the peace and rest you need.

When we are going through things, it helps to know that we have others with us. We’re braver when we’re not alone.

From Joshua’s army to your small group—community makes courage stronger.

Joshua 4:20–24 (NLT):"It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, 'In the future your children will ask, What do these stones mean?' Then you can tell them, 'This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' ... He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”

This is a reminder that community is so good to help us stay on track. They help remind us of where we came from and what God brought us through.

Now we’re turning our eyes toward the future. You might not think of yourself as brave, but someone else does. Your story, your strength, your example—it matters.

When Joshua stacked those stones, it was for the generations coming behind him.

Think about the people watching you—your kids, coworkers, friends.

What “brave” legacy will you leave for them to stand on?

Maybe you weren’t raised to be brave. Maybe fear ruled your family or your story and you’re thinking, I could never be brave. Well, maybe it’s time to break that mindset and that cycle. Write something new for yourself and those who come behind you.

I’m sure that many brave choices have been made and you don’t even realize it. So, what choices have you made—and what choices are you making—that can change your future and your family tree?

Fear is not from God. Fear is something that Satan uses so that we don’t step forward with confidence in the Lord and what He has for us. Let’s break the cycle of listening to fear and start listening to the truth of the Lord.

Joshua 4:20–24 (NLT):"It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, 'In the future your children will ask, What do these stones mean?' Then you can tell them, 'This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' ... He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”

Use your voice to lift someone up this week.

Who around you is being brave, quiet, and faithful? Shout them out! Tell them to look back at the stones that have been placed and remember that they are brave and strong because of the Lord.

Bravery isn’t reserved for superheroes. It’s for moms, truck drivers, teachers, pastors, teenagers—and YOU. God’s hand is powerful, and He calls us to remember how He carried us—so we’ll keep walking, keep trusting, and keep stacking our own stones of courage.

Go be brave today. You already are.