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Strong and Courageous

Strong and Courageous

by Elizabeth Rocha

Stories for Kids Christianity

Season 11

When You Don't Know What To Do

Have you ever faced a decision and thought, “I have no idea what to do next”? James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” God is not annoyed by our questions. He invites them. He promises wisdom—not judgment—when we ask. When you’re unsure about a choice, a relationship, or your next step, pause and ask God for wisdom. He may guide you through Scripture, wise people, or a quiet sense of peace. Takeaway: When you don’t know what to do, ask God.

Season 2

Jesus Heals The Paralyzed Man

Hey friends. Today’s story is about a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years. Thirty-eight years. He was lying beside a pool, waiting for healing. Jesus walked up to him and asked a surprising question: “Do you want to get well?” Of course he did. But the man started explaining why he couldn’t. “I have no one to help me. Someone always gets there before me.” Excuses. Reasons. Delays. Then Jesus said three simple words: “Get up. Walk.” And immediately — the man was healed. Here’s what stands out: He had been stuck for almost four decades. But one moment with Jesus changed everything. Sometimes we get used to being stuck. Used to the fear. Used to the habit. Used to the excuse. But when Jesus says move — we move. Not because we feel ready. But because He said so. If there’s an area in your life where you feel stuck, listen closely. Jesus may be saying, “Get up.” Be strong. Be courageous.

The Catch

Hey friends. Welcome back to Strong & Courageous. Today we’re talking about fishermen. Peter and his friends had been fishing all night. And they caught nothing. They were tired. Frustrated. Probably ready to quit. Jesus stepped into Peter’s boat and said, “Put out into deep water, and let down your nets.” Peter answered honestly. “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.” But then he said something powerful: “But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” And when they did — they caught so many fish that the nets began to break. Here’s what I love: Peter didn’t understand it. It didn’t make sense. He was exhausted. But he obeyed anyway. Sometimes Jesus asks you to try again. To forgive again. To trust again. Even when you’re tired. And sometimes the breakthrough comes after obedience — not before. If Jesus is asking you to take one more step, say what Peter said: “Because You say so.” Be strong. Be courageous.

Jesus Raises Lazarus

Hey friends. Today we’re talking about Lazarus. Lazarus was sick. His sisters sent word to Jesus. But Jesus didn’t come right away. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Have you ever felt that? “Jesus, if You had just shown up sooner…” But Jesus said something powerful. “I am the resurrection and the life.” Then He went to the tomb and said, “Lazarus, come out.” And Lazarus walked out. Still wrapped in grave clothes. This story reminds us: Even when it feels too late… it’s not too late for Jesus. When hope feels buried, He still speaks life. Maybe something in your life feels sealed shut. A dream. A friendship. A prayer you’ve been waiting on. Jesus still calls things out of the grave. Trust Him. Be strong. Be courageous.

Jesus Cast Out Darkness

Hey friends. Today’s miracle shows us something important. Jesus met a man who was controlled by evil spirits. He lived alone. He was isolated. He was hurting. No one could help him. But when Jesus stepped onto the shore, everything changed. The darkness recognized Him. And with one command, Jesus set the man free. Afterward, the man was sitting calmly, dressed, and in his right mind. Here’s what that means for us: There is no darkness stronger than Jesus. Fear. Anxiety. Addiction. Shame. None of it has more authority than Him. If you feel overwhelmed, remember this: Jesus doesn’t struggle against darkness. He speaks — and it moves. Whatever feels heavy in your life today, bring it to Him. He is stronger. Be strong. Be courageous.

Jesus Heals The Blind Man

Hey friends. Welcome back to Strong & Courageous. Today we’re talking about a man who was blind from birth. The disciples asked Jesus, “Who sinned? This man or his parents?” They assumed his blindness was someone’s fault. But Jesus said something powerful. “It was not that this man sinned… but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Then Jesus made mud, placed it on the man’s eyes, and told him to go wash. The man obeyed. And when he washed — he could see. But here’s what stands out. The crowd argued. The religious leaders doubted. People questioned him. But the man kept saying, “One thing I do know. I was blind. Now I see.” You don’t have to know everything about Jesus to stand firm. You just have to know what He’s done in your life. Maybe people question your faith. Maybe they don’t understand it. That’s okay. You can simply say, “I once was blind. Now I see.” Be strong. Be courageous.

Just Say The Word

Hey friends. Today we’re talking about bold faith. A Roman centurion — a military leader — came to Jesus and said, “Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied with something surprising. “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” He explained that he understood authority. As a soldier, when he gave an order, people obeyed. He believed Jesus had that same authority — even over sickness. Jesus was amazed. He said, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” And in that moment, the servant was healed. Notice something powerful: The centurion didn’t need to see it happen. He didn’t need Jesus to be physically present. He trusted Jesus’ word. Faith isn’t demanding proof. Faith is trusting who Jesus is. You may not see the answer yet. You may not feel the breakthrough yet. But do you trust His authority? Today, choose to believe that when Jesus speaks — things change. Even if you don’t see it immediately. Be strong. Be courageous.

Bring Your Broken Places To Jesus

Hey friends. Jesus was in the synagogue one Sabbath day, and there was a man there with a withered hand. His hand didn’t work. It was weak. Lifeless. And the religious leaders were watching closely. Not because they cared about the man — but because they wanted to see if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath so they could accuse Him. Jesus knew what they were thinking. He called the man forward and asked the crowd, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath? To save life or to kill?” They stayed silent. Then Jesus looked at them with grief — because their hearts were hard. And He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” Now think about that. The man had to stretch out the very thing that didn’t work. The thing that was weak. The thing that was broken. And when he did — it was restored. Sometimes we want to hide our broken places. Our insecurity. Our struggles. Our fear. But Jesus says, “Stretch it out.” Bring it to Me. Healing begins when we stop hiding. Today, whatever feels weak in your life — bring it to Jesus instead of covering it up. He restores what we place in His hands. Be strong. Be courageous. See you tomorrow.

Obedience Comes Before The Miracle

Hey friends. Welcome back to Strong & Courageous. Today I want you to notice something different about the story of the ten lepers. Ten men who were sick cried out to Jesus from a distance. They said “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” And Jesus told them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” Now here’s the key part. They were not healed yet. Their skin was still diseased. Nothing had changed. But they started walking anyway. And the Bible says: “As they went, they were cleansed.” Did you catch that They were healed while they were walking in obedience. Not before. Not after they saw proof. But as they went. Sometimes we wait to obey until we see the miracle. We wait to forgive until the hurt goes away. We wait to step out until we feel confident. We wait to trust God until things make sense. But often, God moves when we move. Healing happens as you go. Courage grows as you step. Faith strengthens as you obey. Maybe today God is asking you to take one small step — even if nothing looks different yet. Take it. You might just find the miracle waiting on the other side of obedience. Be strong. Be courageous. See you tomorrow.

Bring Your Friends To Jesus

Hey friends. Today’s miracle is about friendship. There was a man who couldn’t walk. He had four friends who believed Jesus could heal him. When they brought him to the house where Jesus was teaching, it was packed. There was no way in. So they did something bold. They climbed onto the roof. They dug through it. And they lowered their friend down right in front of Jesus. Can you imagine the dust falling? The crowd gasping? But here’s the part I love. The Bible says, “When Jesus saw their faith…” Not just the man’s faith. Their faith. He said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Then He told him to get up, take his mat, and walk. And he did. This miracle teaches us two things. First — Jesus cares about your heart even more than your body. Second — your faith can help carry someone else to Jesus. Maybe you have a friend who’s struggling. Maybe someone who doesn’t know God yet. Maybe someone who feels stuck. Be the kind of friend who carries people toward Jesus. Pray for them. Encourage them. Invite them. You never know what miracle might happen because you chose to lift someone up. Be strong. Be courageous. I’ll see you tomorrow.

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