Series Overview
Getting started can sometimes seem like the hardest part of meeting a need. But it actually starts before then. First we have to see the needs around us. Initiative isn’t just some practical principle; it’s really a spiritual principle that starts with God. God took initiative on our behalf by seeing that our relationship was broken and needed to be fixed. So God sent Jesus to make it right. And because we are made in God’s image, we are wired to be able to take initiative and get things done too.
Memory Verse
“None of you should look out just for your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others.” – Philippians 2:4, NIRV
Week One (May 4)
God So Loved The World
Bible Story: John 3:16-17
Key Question: How has God met your needs?
Virtue: Initiative – Seeing what needs to be done + doing it
We start the month in John 3:16-17 where John writes about the greatest love of all. God loved us so much, that God sent Jesus to take our place because of our sin. God took the initiative by making a move to restore our broken relationship, allowing us to one day live with God forever.
Sometimes it’s easy to get so distracted by the things we want most in life, or that we don’t have, that we forget about the things we already DO have. Whether we have a little or a lot, God has given us each the best gift we could ever receive. We hope this question invites preteens to reflect on how God has shown up for them throughout their lives.
Week Two (May 11)
Miriam Takes Initiative
Bible Story: Exodus 2:1-10
Key Question: Who do you see that needs your help?
Virtue: Initiative – Seeing what needs to be done + doing it
In Week 2, we head to Exodus 2:1-10 where we find the Israelites facing tragedy. They had begun to grow so large as a nation that the pharaoh of that time grew scared and ordered all the newborn baby boys to die. Miriam and her mother took matters into their own hand, saving Moses, which eventually led to the saving of the rest of God’s people too.
Have you ever come across someone who looked super busy, was hurting, had questions, or seemed like they could use a little extra love and aid? What do you do in
those moments? We hope this question gets preteens started thinking about the people in their lives—in any area—who they can help and how they can help them.
Week Three (May 18)
Parable of the Talents
Bible Story: Matthew 25:14-30
Key Question: How can you use what you’ve been given?
Virtue: Initiative – Seeing what needs to be done + doing it
In Week 3, we head to Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus told His disciples a story about a rich man who left for a long journey and entrusted his servants with some of his money. Each one received a different amount, but at the end of the journey, the man was proud of his servants for using what they were given to double the investment. All except for one…
Can you think of a time someone has complimented you about something that seemed to come naturally to you? God has given each of us unique gifts and wired us all
differently, not just for the betterment of ourselves, but to impact those around us too. We hope this question allows preteens to start thinking about how the ways God made
them are impactful.
Week Four (May 25)
John’s Disciples Follow Jesus
Bible Story: John 1:35-45
Key Question: How did you first hear about Jesus?
Virtue: Initiative – Seeing what needs to be done + doing it
In Week 4, we head to John 1:35-42 where we meet Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. One day as John was with his disciples, they saw Jesus walking by. Jesus was the
very same man John had been preparing his disciples for! So when the time came, John’s disciples left to go follow Jesus, and that decision led to more disciples following Jesus as they began to tell one another about Him.
Everyone has a starting point in their faith journey. Thankfully God has placed people in our lives to help us grow. We don’t have to figure out the hard parts on our own. We hope this question helps preteens think about their faith and who they can talk to when they want to learn more.