Faith Over Fear

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-5; John 16:33; Hebrews 11:1

Editor’s note: This story addresses war and may not be suitable for some children.

Alina held tightly to Pursia, her fluffy white cat. She could see her mom’s creased forehead in the car’s rearview mirror, and it reflected the fear Alina felt squeezing her own heart. On the distant horizon, black smoke billowed from the bombs that had been falling for days now. Whatever road they took, Alina didn’t have to ask to know her mom couldn’t verify their safety.

“There’s about one hour left, Lina,” Mom said softly as they passed by the wreckage of a bombed-out shell of a building.

“Are Titka and cousin Artem safe?” Alina whispered.

Mom smiled tightly. “Last time I talked to them, they were just fine. They are eagerly waiting for us to arrive.”

“I’m glad they’re safe, but I miss my room and our home.

Do you think we’ll ever get to go back?”

“Only God knows, Lina. I know you’re scared—I am too. We just have to remember right now that God is greater than our fear.”

“How do we remember, Mom? How can we know that for sure? People are attacking our country, and we haven’t done anything wrong! I don’t understand how God could allow this to happen.” Alina blinked back a mixture of sad and angry tears.

“I know, sweet girl. We have to have faith in Jesus even though we’re afraid. Remember, we live in a broken world where there are wars, sickness, and suffering. God didn’t intend the world He created to be this way, but when Adam and Eve sinned, everything changed. But thankfully, that wasn’t the end of our story, because God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from sin and be with us in our suffering. In this world we will have trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world, and He wins in the end.”

Alina started singing softly in the backseat. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous—for the Lord your God is with you.” Then her mom joined in. Their voices lifted louder until Pursia meowed in protest. Alina giggled. “I think Pursia is afraid we’re going to keep singing, Mom.”

“Well, I’m glad you started that song, even if she isn’t! What a great reminder that God is with us wherever we go.”

-Savannah Coleman

How About You?

Have you ever had to endure something terrible? Maybe you’ve experienced the horrors of war, injustice, or evacuation from your home. Even though we encounter troubles in this world, we can be strong and courageous because God is with us wherever we go. No matter what hardships we walk through, we don’t have to fear because we belong to Jesus and He loves us completely.

Today’s Key Verse: Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God is greater than fear