Welcome to The Will & Lilly Discipleship Journey Episodes
This is where the story begins.
Follow 8-year-old twins Will and Lilly as they learn how to live out their faith in a world of challenges. Each episode is part of a lifelong journey—walking through real-life struggles and victories, growing in courage, and standing strong on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word.
This isn’t just a story—it’s a discipleship journey for anyone who wants to build their life on the Rock, not the sand.
Episode 1 – The Decision
"But Jesus called them to Him, saying, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" – Luke 18:16
Will and Lilly were only eight, but something about that Sunday morning felt different.
They sat in the front pew—their feet barely touching the floor—as Pastor Mike spoke gently about following Jesus. They had heard stories of Jesus before, but today? It felt personal.
On the walk home from church, Will asked softly, “Do you think Jesus could live… inside kids like us?”
Lilly nodded. “I think He already does.”
Later that afternoon, kneeling on the colorful rug in their rooms, Will and Lilly folded their hands. “Jesus,” Lilly whispered, “we want You to be with us, always.”
That night, while the streetlights flickered outside their separate bedroom windows, Will whispered, “I think we just did something big.”
Lilly grinned under her blanket. “The biggest.”
Parents or Young Readers: Have you talked about how Jesus calls even the youngest hearts to follow Him and how simple faith is often the strongest?
Episode 2 – Monday’s Challenge
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." – Matthew 5:16
The following day, as Will and Lilly walked hand-in-hand to school, the air felt cooler—but their hearts were warm.
They had prayed yesterday, and even though they were only eight, they knew Jesus was with them. But as they entered the busy schoolyard, it felt like another world.
“Do you think anyone will notice?” Will asked.
Lilly smiled and squeezed his hand. “Let’s see.”
By recess, they did notice—but not in the way they expected.
Near the swing set, a group of older kids teased a boy sitting alone on a bench. His name was Jake, and everyone knew he was the quiet one who often got left out.
Will and Lilly looked at each other. Their stomachs felt tight.
“We should do something,” Lilly whispered.
“But we’re just kids,” Will said.
Lilly’s eyes widened. “Yeah… but we’re kids who follow Jesus now.”
Will took a shaky breath, then stepped forward. “Hey! Leave him alone.”
Lilly stood beside him. “Jake, do you wanna come play four-square with us?”
Jake blinked, surprised, then nodded. The group of kids grumbled and wandered off.
As Will, Lilly, and Jake walked to the game, Will felt something new—a small but profound courage.
That night, as they sat on their porch swing under the stars, Will said, “That was harder than I thought.”
Lilly nodded. “But… it felt right.”
And somewhere deep inside, they both knew—they were learning to shine.
Parents or Young Readers: Have you talked about recognizing when someone needs a friend and how courage sometimes starts with just one small step of kindness?
Episode 3 – Eyes Open, Hearts Soft
"Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." – Matthew 10:16
Will and Lilly couldn’t stop thinking about Jake at night's dinner.
Their dad noticed. “What’s on your minds, kids?”
Will finally said, “We tried to help Jake today, but it felt… scary.”
Lilly added, “We didn’t want to be mean to the others, but we couldn’t just watch.”
Their mom smiled softly. “You’re learning something important. Jesus calls us to keep our eyes open—to see what’s wrong—but keep our hearts soft, so we don’t become like the world.”
“Kind of like… watching and praying?” Will asked.
“Exactly,” their dad replied.
The following day, as Will and Lilly walked into school, they noticed the same group of kids whispering and pointing their way. A few classmates seemed to keep their distance.
Lilly whispered, “It’s starting to feel different, isn't it?”
Will nodded. “Yeah. But… I’m gonna keep my heart soft.”
They sat with Jake again at lunch, even though it meant sitting at the “quiet table.” Lilly smiled and whispered as they ate, “Eyes open, hearts soft.”
Jake grinned as if, somehow, he understood.
And that day, Will and Lilly realized that standing for what’s right didn’t mean shouting louder—it meant standing firm with love.
Parents or Young Readers: Have you talked about balancing wisdom with kindness when standing up for what’s right and guarding your heart against becoming hardened when the world pushes back?
Episode 4 – The Quiet Fight
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." – Romans 12:21
Jake quietly showed Will and Lilly a mean drawing someone left on his desk.
Will felt heat rise in his chest. “That’s not okay.”
Lilly’s fists clenched. “We should tell the teacher.”
Jake shook his head, “It’ll just make it worse.”
That night, Will asked, “Why didn’t Jesus stop the bullies immediately?”
His mom replied, “Sometimes Jesus stood silent. Sometimes, He spoke. But He always overcame evil with good.”
“So… do we just stay quiet?” Lilly asked.
“No,” her dad said gently, “you keep doing good. That’s how you fight back.”
The next day, Will brought Jake an extra cookie. Lilly shared her markers with him.
They didn’t make speeches. They just did good—even when it was hard.
Jake smiled for the first time that week. The quiet fight had begun.
Parents or Young Readers: Have you discussed overcoming hurtful situations with quiet acts of kindness and how spiritual battles aren’t always loud—they’re often won in silence and love?
Episode 5 – The Others
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9
At recess, Sophie sat alone near the garden.
“You don’t like what’s happening, do you?” Will asked.
Sophie shook her head. “I don’t want them picking on me too.”
“What if we stood together?” Lilly offered.
Sophie hesitated but followed them to the oak tree.
Later, at lunch, Will noticed two more classmates watching them from across the cafeteria.
That evening, their dad said, “Some people are looking for a way out of the storm—but they need someone to show them the way.”
Will nodded. “We’re helping more than just Jake now.”
Lilly smiled. “We’re helping the others too.”
Parents or Young Readers: Have you discussed how doing the right thing can inspire others to be brave and how small acts of courage can create safe spaces for more people?
Episode 6 – The Conversation Circle
"Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another." – Proverbs 27:17
The next day, the oak tree circle grew.
Jake, Sophie, and two others sat with Will and Lilly. “We’re kinda like a little club,” Jake joked.
“Not a club… more like a circle,” Will said.
Sophie smiled. “A circle where it’s okay not to be scared.”
That night, their mom said, “God’s work often starts small—like seeds.”
The next day, under the oak tree, their circle quietly talked about kindness, courage, and helping others.
Will whispered to Lilly, “This is more than just sitting together.”
Lilly nodded. “Yeah, it’s becoming something special.”
Parents or Young Readers: Have you discussed creating a safe place where kindness can grow and how conversations can be the first step toward standing strong together?
Episode 7 – Pushback
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." – Matthew 5:10
By midweek, Will and Lilly noticed that not everyone liked their quiet circle.
Trent, one of the older kids from the playground, stood by the soccer field watching them.
“What’s this?” he sneered. “The baby-sitter gang?”
Sophie shifted nervously. Jake shrank into his jacket.
Will’s stomach flipped, but he remembered what his dad said: “Standing in love is the strongest stand you’ll ever take.”
“We’re just playing,” Will answered calmly.
“Yeah,” Lilly added softly. “You can join if you want.”
Trent rolled his eyes and walked off—but not before leaving them feeling colder.
At home, Will said, “It’s getting harder. They’re teasing more now.”
His dad nodded. “It’s because you’re standing firm, even if it’s quiet. That always makes people notice.”
“So what do we do?” Lilly asked.
“Keep standing,” their mom said. “You’re not fighting them—you’re standing for what’s good.”
Parents or Young Readers: Have you discussed how to keep standing when peer pressure and teasing make you want to give up and how courage is often quiet but powerful?
Episode 8 – The Watcher
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." – Matthew 5:16
At recess the next day, Will caught sight of someone standing near the fence—Mason. He wasn’t teasing or laughing like Trent’s crew. He just… watched.
Mason was usually one of Trent’s tag-alongs. But today, he stood alone.
As Will returned to the oak tree, he whispered to Lilly, “Mason’s watching us.”
“Why do you think?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” Will replied, “but I think he’s curious.”
Later, while walking home, Will shared the story.
His mom said, “Sometimes kids want out of the crowd, but they don’t know how.”
“Like they’re stuck?” Lilly asked.
“Exactly,” their dad answered. “And they’re watching to see if someone else is brave first.”
The next day, Mason lingered near the edge of the oak tree circle. He didn’t sit down. He didn’t speak. But he didn’t leave either.
Will thought about inviting him in, but Lilly whispered, “Let’s give him time.”
So, they just… let him watch.
Parents or Young Readers: Have you discussed how people might silently be watching your faith and how patience can sometimes be the best way to welcome someone to a safe space?
Episode 9 – Sophie’s Doubt
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God." – Isaiah 41:10
By Friday, things felt different.
When the circle gathered under the oak tree, Sophie wasn’t there.
Will scanned the playground. He finally spotted her—sitting alone near the swings, looking worried.
At lunch, Lilly asked, “Why didn’t you sit with us?”
Sophie sighed. “Trent says he might mess with whoever hangs out under that tree. I just… I don’t want to be next.”
Will and Lilly both felt a pang. They understood. The teasing wasn’t easy.
That evening, Will told his dad, “Sophie’s scared. I am, too.”
His dad nodded. “Even brave people get scared, son. What matters is who you trust when fear knocks.”
At recess, Will and Lilly sat with Sophie by the swings. They didn’t push her to return to the oak tree. They just stayed close.
Sometimes, standing meant sitting with a friend where they felt safest.
Parents or Young Readers: Have you discussed how fear can make even the strongest hearts step back sometimes and how loyalty means standing with friends even when they’re scared?
Episode 10 – The Move
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" – Psalm 133:1
The following week, Will and Lilly noticed Sophie still avoiding the oak tree.
At recess, Jake suggested, “What if we meet somewhere else? Maybe it’ll help.”
Will and Lilly thought about it. After school, Lilly told her mom, “We don’t want to lose anyone.”
Her mom smiled. “That’s how shepherds think—they don’t just guard one spot; they guard the people.”
Will nodded. “So… we move the circle, not the mission.”
The next day, Will quietly asked Sophie, “Where would you feel safer?”
Sophie hesitated. “The library patio. No one goes there.”
So, that afternoon, the circle gathered on the patio—Jake, Sophie, Will, Lilly, and even Mason standing nearby, listening from a distance.
Sophie smiled shyly as she sat down. “Thanks.”
As they talked, played quietly, and shared snacks, Will realized that where they met didn’t matter as much as why they met.
Parents or Young Readers: Have you discussed how authentic leadership means caring for people first, not just holding your ground, and how standing for truth sometimes means moving with wisdom?
(Stay tuned for Episode 11!)
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