“You’re New, Aren’t You?” New Era, Nov. 2004, 45

You’re New, Aren’t You?

During my world literature class one day, I felt the Spirit prompt me to leave and go to the restroom. I was in the middle of taking a test, and since it was only the second day of school, I didn’t want to make a bad impression on my teacher. But the longer I sat there, the more I felt I needed to leave. So I got a pass to go to the restroom. Several girls were there, including my friend Kelsey. As I was washing my hands, I saw a girl about my age with tear-stained eyes standing in the corner. No one seemed to notice her.

I smiled at her, and all of a sudden I could feel exactly what was wrong. “Is everything okay?” I asked.

The girl gave no answer. I knew immediately what to say, almost as if the Spirit were there saying it. “You’re new, aren’t you?” I asked.

Almost instantly she sobbed and nodded but still didn’t say anything. The Spirit told me she was having a hard time making friends. “Are you having a hard time making friends here?” I asked.

Then she spoke with relief that someone actually cared enough to notice her. My friend Kelsey and I quickly introduced ourselves, and Kelsey invited the girl to sit with her at lunch.

This made me realize the truth of the scripture, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18). The Lord always knows when we need Him, but sometimes it’s through other people that He comforts us.