Scared to Move or Start a New School? What Jesus Would Say

Hey, Carpool Crew. Whether you're pulling into school, finishing up breakfast, or heading out to run some errands. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. All month long, we're going through a series called: What would Jesus say about the things that scare us? Today's question is one that's a big deal for a lot of kids. What if I have to move or change schools? Now, it might be happening to you right now, or maybe it's something you are worried about. Either way, let's talk about what Jesus would say about this. It's in Isaiah 43, verse 19: 'Look, I'm about to do something new. Even now it's coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.' Now, this verse was written by a prophet named Isaiah, and it was meant for God's people during a time when they were in exile. Well, what's exile? Imagine being taken far away from your home to a place with a new language, new rules, new people, and you didn't get to choose it. That's what happened to the Israelites, God's people. They had to leave everything behind. It was confusing. Yeah, it was also scary, and it was kind of lonely. But God sent a message through Isaiah. Now this is a message that's good for them and good for us today. 'I'm not finished. I'm doing something new. I'll make a way even in the wilderness. Even when things feel dry and empty, I'll bring water and life.' In other words, God doesn't just comfort us when things change. He creates beautiful new things right in the middle of the change. If Jesus were sitting right next to you today, he might look you in the eyes and say, 'I know this is hard. But what if the new place is part of the plan? I go before you. I've already been where you're headed. You are not starting over. You're just stepping into something new that I've prepared.' Let me tell you about Mateo. His family had to move when his mom got a new job. He was in the middle of fourth grade, and he had to leave behind everything he knew. His school, his soccer team, even the tree he always climbed in his backyard. Mateo didn't wanna go. His stomach hurt just thinking about walking into a new class where he didn't know anyone. But here's what happened. The first week, it was rough. He felt out of place. But on the third day, someone in his class, Landon, noticed Mateo was eating alone and invited him to sit at their table. By the end of the week, they were laughing at recess, talking about soccer. Mateo missed his old friends. But something started to change inside of him. He realized, 'This place isn't so bad. Maybe this move isn't just about where I live. It's about who I'm becoming.' So what can we do when we're facing a move or a new school? First, be on the lookout for what's new, not just what's missing. God might be doing something fresh in your life. Don't miss it by only looking backward. Second, find something familiar and bring it with you. A favorite backpack, a family prayer you have written on a notebook, or a picture in your lunchbox that you can be reminded of exactly who you are. And lastly, be brave with small things. Be the first one to say hi. Introduce yourself. Ask someone what they like to do. You don't have to feel brave to be brave. Starting over is never easy, but Isaiah reminds us God's not just helping you survive the change. He's creating something new in the middle of it. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love today's podcast, consider subscribing. Get Goodnight Psalms, which launches in November, and get all of our weekend episodes of Carpooling with Jesus too. Now, before you go, let's answer this question together. What's one thing that feels hard and one thing that could be exciting about starting something new? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.