DO NOT BE AFRAID-For God Is With You

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to make exploring the Bible as a family something we do together. On Saturday, March 28th, the five of us were sprawled out in our living room. Each kid had a pencil and notebook in hand and listened intently. My husband and I shared brief testimonies of what Philippians 4:13 meant to each of us and how we relied on the truth of this verse in different circumstances.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

It was fun to see their interest and willingness to participate. They asked great questions and we were thrilled with how it was going. 

After we were done sharing, I asked them to write the verse in their notebooks and then suggested they pray and ask the Lord how this verse applies to their lives during distance learning and our need to stay home. My two oldest kids were very eager to share what the Lord showed them. My husband and I exchanged smiles as we listened. It is always so much fun to hear how the Lord interacts with each of my kids. He is so creative and interacts with them at their level. 

I suggested they write it all down so they could remember it later.

However, my youngest was curled up in a ball sitting next to me and had a furrowed brow. I looked at her and asked if she was okay.

“Mom, I don’t want to write. Can you do it for me?” 

As soon as I said I would, she uncurled and started to brighten up. 

After I wrote down the verse I asked her what the Lord showed her after she prayed. 

She was quiet. She usually gets this way when she doesn’t want to share what she is thinking with me. I gave her a big hug and said that there were no wrong answers. 

She straightened up a bit and began talking.

“Jesus is in front of me. I am holding His hand. He said that I do not need to be afraid of the coronavirus.”

“Wow, Bentley. How does that make you feel?” 

“It makes me feel really good.”

“Is Jesus showing you anything else?”

“I see this image…of a big group of people” (she said it just like that).

“Who are these people?” 

“I don’t know, mom. But they are all adults.”

“All adults? No kids?” 

“No kids, mom.”

“Does He want you to know anything about this group of adults?”

“They are a big group of people who are in New York.” 

“Huh, wow! Ask Him why He is showing you this group of adults.”

“He wants me to tell them, ‘Don’t be afraid because God is with you.’”

“Is Jesus there with you?”

“Yes, He is standing right next to me. He wants me to be brave. He says I will be powerful, courageous, and strong.”

“How does that make you feel?”

“I feel safe.”

STEPPING IN TO EXPLAIN

“Bentley, this is amazing. God is teaching you about His name and sharing truths with you that are found in the Bible. Did you know He has many names – just like you? But they all describe the same person. You are daughter, sister, cousin, granddaughter, and friend, but you are the same Bentley, right? God has many names that describe Him, but He doesn’t change. Do you remember some of the songs we sing at Christmas time that have the word Emmanual in them? Emmanual is one of His names and it means God with us.”

Her eyes got big and wide in amazement and at this point my whole family was listening in on our conversation. 

My oldest started singing O Come, O Come Emmanuel and it turned into a family sing along. 

I then looked in the Bible to find the verse about how we do not need to be afraid and read it outloud.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

“Bentley, The Lord will never say anything to you that is not backed up in the Bible. He asked you to tell the group of adults in New York that they do not have to be afraid because He is with them. He will give you the strength to do this. Just like Phil 4:13 says, “You can do ALL things through Christ who will give you the strength.” How does that make you feel?”

“I don’t know. What if I don’t want to do it?”

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. God always gives you that choice. But, I know that when I follow Him and do what He asks me, I am always so blessed. Would you be willing to pray for the people in New York to not be afraid and to learn about God?”

“Okay, mom.” 

We had the sweetest prayer time and then she bounced up out of the chair and left the room.

I just LOVE watching the Lord work in my kids’ lives. He is an AMAZING teacher and friend to them. 

Thank you, Jesus, for how you love my kids so unconditionally and FULLY! Thank you for teaching them about who you are and making your Word come alive in ways I could never fathom. You are an incredible Way Maker! Lord, continue to create ways/opportunities to teach me and my family about who you are and how much you care. You are a Good Father!

CHALLENGE

My challenge to you is to create a space in your life where you are seeking the Lord. Ask Him questions. Ask Him to show you things He wants you to know. It could be about your family, friends, neighbors, community, or something way out in left field…like people in a completely different city that He wants you to pray for, like what He showed my daughter. Maybe it is how to make a scripture verse practical in your life. The possibilities are endless with God.

CONNECT

I would love to hear your stories. How has the Lord been speaking to you? What has he shown you? Share them with me below in the comments section or reach out on my CONTACT page.