The Known Podcast: Mars Hill Church

Mars Kids Drive Time: Esther Week 10

Drive Time: Esther Week 10 — God Behind the Scenes (Series Wrap-Up) Episode Description In this special episode of Drive Time, Brad and Carrie wrap up their journey through the Book of Esther—a story full of risk, courage, and unexpected reversals. From Esther becoming queen in a hidden identity, to Mordecai’s faithfulness, to Haman’s evil plan, the story has been building toward one powerful truth: even when everything seemed uncertain, God was at work the entire time. What makes Esther so unique? God’s name is never mentioned—yet His presence is unmistakable. In every twist, every delay, and every turning point, He was guiding the story forward. This episode looks back on the biggest moments of the series and reminds us that the same is true in our lives today: God is always working, even when we can’t see Him. God is always working—even when we can’t see Him. * A full recap of Esther’s story—from beginning to end * The courage and timing of Esther’s bold decision * How God’s people went from danger to celebration * Why God’s “hiddenness” in Esther matters for us today * A reminder that God is present in every chapter—even the quiet ones Play along as you remember the story together: * Who became queen? * Who refused to bow? * Who made the evil plan? * Who helped save the people? * And most importantly… who was working the whole time? 📖 Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” This verse captures the heartbeat of Esther—and the reminder that while people make plans, God is the one guiding every step. 1. What part of Esther’s story stood out to you the most? 2. Where have you seen God working in your life? 3. How can you trust God when you don’t see what He’s doing? Even when God feels hidden, He is never absent. Even when you can’t see Him, He is still writing the story. Thanks for joining us for this series—we’ll see you next time on Drive Time! Big IdeaWhat You’ll Hear in This EpisodeFamily Fun: “Who Did It?”Memory VerseDiscussion QuestionsClosing Thought

Mars Kids Drive Time: Esther Week 9

Drive Time: Esther Week 9 — The Great Reversal Episode Summary This is the moment everything has been building toward. In this episode of Drive Time, Brad and Carrie step into Book of Esther chapter 9—the turning point of the entire story. With two opposing laws in place, the tension finally reaches its peak. Will God’s people fall… or will something unexpected happen? What unfolds is a dramatic reversal. Fear turns to victory, danger gives way to safety, and mourning is transformed into celebration. God’s people don’t just survive—they remember. God can turn hard situations into something good. * The long-awaited day of conflict finally arrives * The enemies of God’s people are defeated * Fear is replaced with victory and relief * Mordecai is elevated and honored * A new celebration—Purim—is established to remember God’s deliverance Play along and shout out the opposite! * Hot → Cold * Up → Down * Fast → Slow * Win → Lose In today’s story, everything flips. What looked like defeat becomes victory—reminding us that God can reverse even the hardest situations. 📖 Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” 1. Why is it important to remember what God has done? 2. Have you ever seen something bad turn into something good? 3. How does trusting that God is in control change the way you face hard situations? What looked like the end… wasn’t the end. What looked like defeat… became victory. God is always working—even when it seems like everything is going the wrong way. And sometimes, He doesn’t just fix things—He flips them. Join us next time as we wrap up the story of Esther! Big Idea: Key Moments from Esther 9Car Game: “Reverse It!”Memory Verse, Discussion Questions, Closing Thought

Mars Kids Drive Time: Esther Week 8

Drive Time: Esther Week 8 — When It’s Not Fully Fixed Yet Episode Summary The story isn’t over. In this episode of Drive Time, Brad Hill and Carrie Wiley walk through Book of Esther chapter 8—a moment where victory has begun, but the tension hasn’t fully disappeared. Haman is gone, Esther is safe, and Mordecai is honored… but a dangerous law still hangs over God’s people. What happens when the problem isn’t completely solved? When you can’t “undo” what’s already been set in motion? This episode explores how God continues working—even in the middle of unfinished stories. God is working even when things aren’t fully fixed yet. * The aftermath of Haman’s defeat—and the lingering danger * Why the king couldn’t undo the original law * How a new decree created a path forward * The tension between what has changed and what hasn’t * Seeing God’s hand at work in the middle, not just the ending Play along as you drive! Can these things be undone? * Clapping your hands * Spilling milk * Saying something mean Some things can’t be reversed—but they can be responded to. Just like in Esther 8, sometimes the way forward isn’t erasing the past, but stepping into a new path. 📖 Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Even when people make plans—good or bad—God is still guiding the story. 1. Have you ever wished you could undo something? What happened? 2. Why do you think God doesn’t always fix things right away? 3. Where might God be working in your life right now—even if things feel unfinished? Not everything was fixed in Esther 8. But everything was moving. And the same is true for us—God is still writing the story, even in the middle chapters. Don’t miss next week’s episode as the story continues! Big Idea, Episode Highlights, Car Game: “Undo It or Not?”Memory Verse, Discussion Questions, Closing Thought

Mars Kids Drive Time: Esther Week 7

In this week’s episode of Drive Time, Brad Hill and Carrie Wiley dive into Esther Chapter 7—where everything changes. What’s been building behind the scenes finally comes to light as Esther courageously speaks up at just the right moment, revealing the truth and turning the entire story on its head. With a well-timed joke and a fun round of “Good Time or Bad Time,” this episode helps kids and families explore the power of timing, courage, and trusting God’s plan. Esther didn’t rush—she waited, listened, and stepped forward when it mattered most. The Big Idea says it simply: God can use you at just the right time. Plus, the episode includes a memory verse from Proverbs 16:9 and thoughtful discussion questions to help families reflect on what it means to trust God’s timing in everyday life. Tune in and discover how God is always at work—even when we can’t see it.

Mars Kids Drive Time : Esther Week 6

In this episode of Drive Time: Esther Week 6, Brad Hill and Carrie Wiley explore one of the great turning points in the book of Esther—and connect it to the hope we celebrate at Easter. When King Ahasuerus can’t sleep, a simple reading of royal records sets off an unexpected chain of events. What seems ordinary quickly becomes extraordinary as Mordecai’s unrewarded faithfulness is brought to light. Meanwhile, Haman walks in expecting honor… but instead finds himself humbling himself before the very man he intended to destroy. Just like that, the story flips. Through this powerful moment in Esther 6, Brad and Carrie help kids see a bigger truth: God is always at work behind the scenes, able to turn any situation around. What looks like the end—or even defeat—may actually be the beginning of something good. With a fun “Plot Twist!” game, a meaningful memory verse from Proverbs 16:9, and thoughtful discussion questions, this episode invites families to reflect on how God’s plans are greater than our own—and how Easter reminds us that He can bring life, hope, and redemption in the most unexpected ways. Big Idea: God can turn things around.