Week 1: Jesus Is With Me

Day 3 · Wednesday with Sophie

Jesus is with me when I try something new.

Book connection: Fear Not

Scripture

“Do not fear, for I am with you.”

Isaiah 41:10

Sophie’s Wednesday Adventure

Sophie stood at the edge of a little stream running through Safari Forest. On the other side was the trail to Lion's Rock.

Sophie looked at the stepping stones. One... two... three... four.

Usually Sophie was the first one ready for an adventure. “Come on!” she would say. “Let's go!” But this time, she wasn't so sure.

“What if my paw slips?” Sophie wondered. She stepped toward the first stone—and then stepped backward.

Timmy and Ian waited behind her. Sophie looked across the stream again.

Then she remembered what they had been learning. Jesus was with her.

Sophie smiled. “Being brave doesn't mean I have to know exactly what will happen,” she said. “I can trust Jesus while I take the next step.”

Sophie put one paw onto the first stone. Then the next. And the next. Before long, she had crossed the stream.

“I did it!” Sophie shouted. Then she stopped. “Well... Jesus and I did it.”

Timmy laughed. Ian smiled.

And Sophie learned something important: Sometimes courage starts with one little step when you know Jesus is with you.

Let's Grow

Have you ever wanted to try something new but felt nervous? Maybe it's joining a new team, making a new friend, answering a question in class, learning a new skill, or going somewhere you've never been before. Feeling nervous doesn't mean you can't move forward. God told His people: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Notice what God gives us when He tells us not to fear—His presence. You don't have to wait until you feel completely fearless before you take a step. When God is leading you, you can remember: Jesus is with me when I try something new.

Think About It

Is there something good you've been afraid to try? What would it look like to trust Jesus and take one step? You don't have to take every step today. Start with the next one.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being with me when I try new things. Sometimes I feel nervous even when I want to be brave. Help me remember that courage doesn't mean I never feel afraid. Help me trust You and take the next step when You are leading me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Kingdom Kids Declaration

I receive knowledge. I do not reject it or turn away from it. My heart is open to receive. My mind is ready to be renewed. Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me apply it to my life. Amen.

Now Let's Apply It!

Same story, same truth. Find your level.

Little Explorers
Preschool–Kindergarten
Make a little stepping-stone path with pieces of paper. With a grown-up nearby, step from one to another. Each step say, “Jesus is with me!” At the end say, “Jesus helped me be brave!”
Trail Adventurers
Grades 1–2
Think of one new thing you've been nervous to try. Write or draw it. Underneath write: “My next step is: ______.” Choose one small action. Before doing it, pray: “Jesus, I know You are with me. Help me take my next step.”
Expedition Adventurers
Grades 3–5
Think about something you've been avoiding because you're afraid. Ask: “Am I stopping because God is warning me—or because fear is controlling me?” If it is good and wise, write: “Fear says: ___ / God's truth says: Jesus is with me / My next step is: ___.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you act on truth.