Called By Name

Hey, Carpool Crew! Happy Wednesday. I'm Pastor Justin, and before we jump in, let me give a big shout-out to Jackson and Kate from Trenton, South Carolina. So glad you are riding with us today. And this episode is about walking into a place where it feels like nobody knows you. You know that feeling, a hallway packed with kids, and not one of them knows your name, your favorite color, or that you can name every dinosaur? Yeah. We've all been there. Let's jump in with the one thing I want you to remember for the ride: in a building full of strangers, God already knows your name and calls you His own. Listen to this from Isaiah 43:1. God says, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine." Called you by your name. God does not think of you as a face in a crowd or a number on a class list. He knows your actual name. God said this to a whole bunch of people who felt lost and forgotten. And His answer was not a speech. It was personal. By name. You are Mine. On a day when you feel invisible, when the teacher is still figuring out who is who, God is not squinting trying to remember you. He has known your name since before you were born. If Jesus were sitting next to you right now, He would lean over and say, "I know exactly who you are. You are not lost in the shuffle to Me. You are Mine, and I am glad you are here." It is roll call. Your new teacher is reading down the list, and she gets to your name. Maybe she says it a little wrong at first, then looks up, smiles, gets it right, and jots a note so she remembers. A teacher learning your name is a small kindness. And it is a tiny picture of a God who has always known it. Hey, this week, try these two things. First, when you feel like nobody knows you, say it quiet to yourself: God knows my name, and I am His. Second, do for somebody else what feels so good when it happens to you. Learn one new kid's name today and use it. Nothing makes a person feel seen faster than hearing their own name. Hey, let's go back to that one thing I wanted you to remember for the ride. In a building full of strangers, God already knows your name and calls you His own. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if your kids are loving these, consider Carpooling with Jesus+. You will unlock extra episodes each week that keep faith part of your family's daily rhythm. Before you go, let's answer this question together. What is one kid's name you can learn and use this week so they feel known too? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.