Courage / Fear

When You're Scared to Try

Isaiah 41:10

Is It Okay to Be Scared Even If I Believe in God?

An honest answer to a question every kid carries: is it okay to be scared even if you believe in God? Being scared and trusting God are not opposites. You can feel afraid and still hold God's hand, and sometimes that fearful moment is exactly where your faith grows.

Isaiah 41:10

Trying the Hard Activity at Camp: Philippians 4:13 for the Kid Whose Turn Is Next

The strength a kid needs for the hard activity at camp is not theirs, it is loaned. Through Philippians 4:13, the verse Paul wrote from a prison cell, kids learn that God hands them what they need in the exact moment they need it, plus three real moves for when the rock wall, the lake jump, or the talent show is their turn.

Philippians 4:13

First Day Nerves at Camp: God Is Already There Waiting (Joshua 1:9)

The first day of camp can feel like your stomach dropped into your shoes. Through Joshua 1:9 and the story of God sending Joshua into a brand-new place, kids learn that wherever they go, God is already there waiting, and three real moves they can try that first day.

Joshua 1:9

Standing Up for Someone: Speaking Up When Everybody Else Stays Quiet

When someone gets picked on, most kids freeze. This episode gives kids three simple, brave ways to speak up and stand with the kid being left out, the way Jesus would.

Proverbs 31:8

Rahab, Episode 2: Faith Is What You Do When It Costs You

The king's men come to Rahab's door and she hides the spies, an act of treason that could cost her life. Then she declares that the Lord is the one true God. Everyone in Jericho heard the same stories about God, but only Rahab turned what she heard into faith, and faith is what you do when it costs you something.

Joshua 2:4-11

Psalm 7:2: A Bedtime Verse for Kids Who Hide When They're Afraid

When kids hide their scared feelings instead of speaking them, this Psalm gives them permission to bring even small fears to God, who listens and calms hearts.

Psalm 7:2

Jesus Shows Up in the Storm

This episode tells the story from Matthew 14 of Jesus walking on water to meet His disciples in the middle of a terrifying storm. The main point is that Jesus doesn't wait for scary situations to end before He shows up—He comes right into the middle of what frightens us.

Matthew 14:27

No Bad Days With God. Why Friday the 13th Isn’t Something to Fear

Daniel Teaching Us About BOLDNESS

Finding Courage to Speak Up

In today’s episode, Pastor Justin talks about courage through the story of Queen Esther in Esther 4:16.

Esther 4:16

Feeling Shy? Jesus Helps You Be Brave

Feeling shy doesn’t mean something is wrong with you.

2 Timothy 1:7

Trusting God One Step at a Time

Hey Carpool Crew… I’m Pastor Justin, and today we’re talking about faith—not faith that sees the whole road, but faith that takes one brave step and says, “Jesus, I trust You.”

Why Jesus Gives Us Peace When We're Scared

In John 14:27, Jesus tells His friends, “My peace I give you… Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” Even though His disciples didn’t know what was coming next, Jesus wanted them to know they would never face anything alone.

John 14:27

Peter, Episode 2: Walking on Water with Wobbly Faith

Episode 2 of a 5-part Peter series. After feeding 5,000 people, Jesus sends the disciples ahead and meets them mid-storm, walking on water. Peter asks to come too, takes a few miraculous steps, then sees the wind and sinks. The episode lands kids in the truth that wobbly faith is still faith, and Jesus reaches for you the moment you call.

Matthew 14:27

Scared to Pray Out Loud? What Jesus Would Say

Maybe you freeze when someone asks, “Who wants to pray?” Or you worry you’ll say the wrong thing, forget your words, or sound weird.

Romans 8:26

Scared of Losing People's Trust? What Jesus Would Say

Maybe you told a lie, forgot something important, or made a mistake that hurt someone you care about.

Luke 16:10

What If God Doesn't Hear Me? What Jesus Would Say

Maybe you’ve prayed for something really big or really personal, but nothing seemed to happen.

Jeremiah 29:12

Scared of Getting in Trouble? What Jesus Would Say

Maybe you know that sinking feeling in your stomach when a teacher calls your name, or when your parents give you that look.

1 John 1:9

Scared of Heights? What Jesus Would Say

Deuteronomy 31:6

Scared of Losing a Friend? What Jesus Would Say

John 15:12

Scared People Won't Like You? What Jesus Would Say

That question pops up: What if people don’t like me?

Psalm 139:14

Scared to Try Something New? What Jesus Would Say

Whether it’s a new sport, a new school, a new class, or a new routine, it’s normal to feel nervous when you’re starting out.

Galatians 6:9

Scared to Ask for Help? What Jesus Would Say

Maybe it’s homework you don’t understand, a friendship that’s hard, or something heavy on your heart.

Proverbs 11:2

Scared of Losing Someone You Love? What Jesus Would Say

It’s one of those fears that can hit when things get quiet, or after losing a pet or grandparent, or even when you just start thinking about what would happen if someone you love wasn’t there anymore.

John 14:2

Scared of Getting Called On in Class? What Jesus Would Say

👋 Ever been sitting in class, minding your own business… and suddenly your name gets called?

James 1:5

Scared of Speaking in Front of the Class? What Jesus Would Say

Psalm 19:14

Scared You'll Mess Everything Up? What Jesus Would Say

2 Timothy 1:7

Scared You Smell Bad? What Jesus Would Say

Let’s talk about something a lot of kids feel nervous about, even if they don’t say it out loud: What if I smell bad?

Luke 12:7

Scared You're Not Good Enough? What Jesus Would Say

Have you ever looked around and thought, “I’m not the best at anything… maybe I’m just not enough”?

Genesis 1:27

Scared of Tornadoes or Storms? What Jesus Would Say

Part of the October What Would Jesus Say series. For kids scared of storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, or natural disasters. Pastor Justin walks them through Mark 4, where Jesus calms a storm so big that seasoned fishermen panic, and lands them in the truth that storms may be loud, but God's voice is stronger.

Mark 4:39

Scared of the Doctor or Dentist? What Jesus Would Say

Part of the October What Would Jesus Say series. For kids scared of shots, checkups, cleanings, or any doctor or dentist visit. Pastor Justin walks them through Luke 8:48, where Jesus heals a woman who'd been sick for 12 years and gives her peace, and lands them in the truth that bravery isn't the absence of fear. It's trusting Jesus through it.

Luke 8:48

Scared of Bad Dreams or Nightmares? What Jesus Would Say

Part of the October What Would Jesus Say series. For kids waking up scared from a bad dream, having recurring nightmares, or just dreading bedtime. Pastor Justin walks them through Proverbs 3:24, where God promises peaceful sleep to those who trust him, and lands them in the truth that the same God who's awake all day doesn't doze off at night.

Proverbs 3:24

BONUS: Goodnight Psalms | A Bedtime Devotional for Kids

In tonight’s Goodnight Psalms episode, we reflect on Psalm 27:1, a verse that reminds us we don’t have to be afraid — because God is our light and our stronghold.

Psalm 27:1

Scared of the Dark? What Jesus Would Say

The kickoff episode of the October What Would Jesus Say series. For kids scared of the dark (and the adults who are too, honestly). Pastor Justin walks them through John 8:12, where Jesus calls himself the light of the world, and lands them in the truth that the same light that lit up the ancient world lights up your kid's heart in their dark room.

John 8:12

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🎉 Introducing the Carpooling with Jesus Subscription!

BONUS: August 16th When I Am Afraid, I Will Trust in God

🚗 Maybe you’re hanging out at the breakfast table, planning your weekend, or still lounging in your pajamas — welcome to a special Saturday episode of Carpooling with Jesus!

Bold Like Peter: Stepping Out in Faith

🚗✨ Today is a special day — it’s my son’s ninth birthday, and he’s one bold BMX racer!

Matthew 14:29

When You're Feeling Scared: God Is With You

Are you feeling nervous, worried, or just plain scared today?

Isaiah 41:10

Jesus is With You on Your First Day of School

🎒 Whether you’re zipping up that new backpack, sliding into fresh school shoes, or finishing your last sip of chocolate milk, we’re kicking off Season Two of Carpooling with Jesus strong!

Joshua 1:9

Gideon: Chosen by God Even When You're Scared

Whether you’re on your way to swim lessons, running errands, or relaxing at home with your favorite snack—I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Judges 6:12

God Is With You When You're Afraid

Whether you’re hiking a new trail or heading off to a brand-new camp, I’m Pastor Justin—and today we’re diving into a Bible verse that’s worth remembering your whole life.

Isaiah 41:10

Courage Is Choosing to Keep Going When You're Scared

Whether you’re headed to the dentist (yikes!) or relaxing in the back seat with your shades on, I’m Pastor Justin—and today we’re talking about something that really matters when life gets tricky: courage.

Joshua 1:9

Be Strong and Courageous Because God Is With You

Whether you’re on your way to camp, grabbing breakfast, or chillin’ after a swim, Pastor Justin here—and today we’re talking about strength.

Joshua 1:9

Is Friday the 13th Unlucky? What the Bible Says About Fear

Today on Carpooling with Jesus, we’re busting a myth you’ve probably heard before — that Friday the 13th is unlucky.

2 Timothy 1:7

5 Smooth Stones and a Giant-Sized Faith (David and Goliath)

Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus — your 5-minute devotional podcast that turns everyday rides and routines into real moments of faith for kids and families!

1 Samuel 17:40

Standing Up for What's Right

Whether you’re on your way to school, finishing up breakfast, or taking a break from homeschooling, I’m so glad you’re here.

Daniel 3:17

Facing Giants with Faith: David and Goliath

David was just a young shepherd boy taking care of his sheep and delivering food to his brothers.

1 Samuel 17:45