Moving in the Right Direction with God

Life has its ups and downs. It can be discouraging when hard times come. The life of Joseph shows us that no matter how many ups and downs we face, we can always keep our eyes on God. When we walk with Him, we know that God is moving us in the right direction. In Upward 4-Week Children's Ministry Curriculum, kids will learn “No matter what life throws at me, I can keep my eyes on Jesus.”

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Upward Children's Ministry Curriculum Lesson Overview

Memory Verse:

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Romans 8:28a (NIRV)

Lessons:

Downward

Scripture: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-35, Joseph Sold By His Brothers

Joseph's life was filled with ups and downs. Up: His father loved him very much. Down: His brothers did not. Even when Joseph found himself down in a well, he never lost faith in God.   

Objective: Kids will learn that life has ups and downs, but God always remains good.

Forward

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-6, & 17-33 Joseph in Potiphar's House

Even though Joseph was now in a foreign country, his life seemed to be moving forward. Joseph was working for an important Egyptian official. But when the official's wife spread lies about him, Joseph ended up in prison. But even from prison, God was with Joseph and blessed Him.

Objective: Kids will learn that even when life is hard, we can still see God's blessings.

Onward

Scripture: Genesis 40:1-8, Joseph in Prison, Genesis 41:1-41, Joseph Before Pharaoh

Even though Joseph was in prison, he kept moving onward. In jail, Joseph helped his fellow prisoners, serving them and interpreting their dreams. Eventually, he had a chance to help the Pharaoh, which changed Joseph's life forever. 

Objective: Kids will learn whether life is up or down, we can still help others for God.

Upward

Scripture: Genesis 42:1-11, 45:1-15, Joseph Reunited with His Brothers

Looking back over Joseph's life, there were so many downward moments: being sold by his brothers, living as a slave in a foreign country, and going to jail for something he didn't do. But Joseph never lost his faith in God. In the end, if it had not been for those difficult times, Joseph would not have been in the right place to save the people of Egypt and his own family.

Objective: Kids will learn that – even in the bad times – God is working things out for our good.