Start Your Engines

High SchoolAmplify United
Written By Amanda Hahn

Preached to: High School Students

Speaker: Pastor Amanda Hahn

This week at Amplify Youth, we kicked off our summer series with a message titled “Start Your Engines.” Using the thrill of racing as our backdrop, we challenged students to see their lives as part of a greater journey designed by God.

Our focus scripture was Jeremiah 29:11, reminding us that we aren’t accidents—we were created on purpose, for a purpose. Too often, we find ourselves stuck in “park,” coasting through life without direction. But just like a car is built to drive, we’re meant to move forward with intention and faith.

Here are the three truths we unpacked:

  1. You were made on purpose – God has a plan just for you.

  2. You’re not meant to sit still – Faith requires action.

  3. It’s time to start your engine – Take the first step and trust God with the journey.

As we shift into summer, our prayer is that every student realizes their life has direction—and it’s time to hit the gas. Let’s drive forward with purpose!

Keep up with all that’s going on at Amplify Youth, including dates, times, sign-ups, and forms, on our main page.

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  • Night 1: Made on Purpose

    Starter Question:
    What’s something you’re really good at or passionate about?

    Discussion:
    Read Jeremiah 29:11 together. Talk about what it means that God has a plan for each of us. Ask:

    • Do you ever wonder what your purpose is?

    • How can we trust God’s plan, even when we don’t see the full picture?

    Challenge:
    Share one way you’ve seen God use someone’s gifts (yours or someone else’s) to make a difference.

    Night 2: Don’t Sit in Park

    Starter Question:
    What happens if you leave a car in park but expect it to move?

    Discussion:
    Talk about how faith isn’t meant to be passive. Ask:

    • What does it look like to take steps of faith as a student? As a parent?

    • Is there anything God’s been prompting you to do, but you’ve hesitated?

    Challenge:
    Each person shares one small action they can take this week to grow their faith or help someone else.

    Night 3: Start Your Engine

    Starter Question:
    What’s something new you’ve started that was exciting but also a little scary?

    Discussion:
    Talk about the importance of starting—even when we feel unprepared. Ask:

    • What helps you build the courage to take that first step in something new?

    • How can we encourage each other to start strong spiritually?

    Challenge:
    Pray as a family for boldness to move forward in the journey God has for each of you.

  • Key Points:

    1. You Were Made On Purpose (Jeremiah 29:11) – God has a specific plan for your life; you are not an accident.

    2. You’re Not Meant to Sit in Park – Just like a car is meant to move, your faith is meant to be active and growing.

    3. Start Your Engine and Move Forward – It’s time to commit to the journey God has set before you and take the first step.

  • Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

    "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Amanda Hahn
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Living with Integrity Under Pressure