Courage

Courage

Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side!

2 Chronicles 32:7

When my son Chad was about five or six, his nighttime slumber was sometimes interrupted by bad dreams. On those nights, I’d wake up to hear him crying or calling for me or my husband. I’d shuffle through the hallway to Chad’s room and sit on the edge of his bed.

The first thing I did was listen to his fears, and then I told him that I had fears sometimes too. “When I’m afraid,” I said, “I talk to God. God sees everything, knows everything, and can do anything. God is strong and God can help us.”

After we talked for a while, I encouraged Chad to memorize the beginning of Philippians 4:6-7—“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” We also talked about Moses (crossing the Red Sea) and David (fighting Goliath); they had fears too, but God was faithful to give them help and courage.

Whenever our children have fearful experiences of any kind, it’s important for them to know that we care about them, are willing to help them, and will consistently point them to God. Then they have opportunities to grow in faith and courage too.

Strong Father,

Thank you that you understand how weak we are, and that you share your strength and courage with us. In the name of Jesus, amen.