Back to School
Take a deep breath. A new school year brings expectations and challenges, but also new opportunities. Before you start thinking about everything you have to do, remember that God is with you. Let God’s presence calm your worries and open your heart to hear God’s voice.
Then the Lord said, “I’ve clearly seen my people oppressed in Egypt. I’ve heard their cry of injustice because of their slave masters. I know about their pain.
“So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”
But Moses said to God, “Who am I to go to Pharaoh and to bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
God said, “I’ll be with you. And this will show you that I’m the one who sent you. After you bring the people out of Egypt, you will come back here and worship God on this mountain.”
Exodus 3:7, 10–12
When God called Moses, Moses didn’t feel ready. He doubted himself and thought someone else might be better suited. Yet God chose him anyway. And although God didn’t promise him that everything would be easy, God assured him of something much more important: that God would always be with him, guiding his steps.
We often feel afraid when starting something new. A new grade, new friends, or new responsibilities can make us doubt ourselves. Homework, teams, clubs, or other experiences might lead us to compare ourselves to others and make us think we can’t do it. But God continues to call ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the world. We don’t need to know everything; we need a heart open to love and justice.
You don’t need to have all the answers to get started. The most important thing is to trust that God is going with you every step of the way.

Jhanderys Dotel-Vellenga
Question to Ponder:
What challenge are you facing today that requires you to trust fully in God’s presence and guidance?
God, when I’m afraid, help me remember that I’m not alone. Give me the confidence to answer your call. One thing that feels intimidating for me right now is…
Be with me always. Amen.
Go forth with a willingness to do good. May your words, decisions, and actions reflect God’s love. Every day offers an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
