Farewell, Fear!

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-10

“Summer, I love these earrings!” Natalie held up the gold-and-pink bunny rabbit earrings to her ears and looked in the mirror.

“Thanks! I have lots of pairs now that I got my ears pierced.” Summer opened the top drawer to show her friend.

“Did it hurt lots?” Natalie asked as she sorted through the earrings.

Summer shrugged. “Just a pinch.”

Natalie swept her blonde curls behind her ear to look at her unpierced lobes. “I want to get my ears pierced someday, but I’m a little afraid.”

“I was really scared when I got mine pierced,” Summer admitted with a sigh. “You know what helped me? My friend Savannah went with me when my mom took me to get them pierced, and she encouraged me the whole time. She stayed right next to me and reminded me that it would be over quickly. She had gotten her ears pierced a few months before, so she knew what it was like.”

Natalie nodded. “Remember the lesson we had at church yesterday, Summer? Savannah comforted and helped you in your distress, just like Jesus comforts and helps us.”

“Right! You know what I’m going to do for you, Natalie? Whenever you decide to get your ears pierced, I’ll go with you and encourage you, just like Savannah did for me. That will help you with your fear! I was so scared, but with my friend right there who had already gone through the same thing, I felt braver.”

Natalie jumped up on a stool and struck a power pose. “My drama teacher had us memorize Second Timothy 1:7: ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.’”

She toppled off the stool with a shriek and Summer grabbed her arm, helping her stand back up. The girls giggled uncontrollably until Summer took a deep breath and said in her best theater voice, “Two are better than one! If one falls down, their friend can help them up! I’m glad we’re friends, Natalie.”

“Me too!” Natalie waved her hand regally. “We can help each other say farewell to fear!”

-Savannah Coleman

How About You?

What are you afraid of? Everyone has fears, but if you’re a child of God, He promises to be with you when you’re afraid. Jesus knows exactly what you’re going through, and He will comfort you and give you strength when you face scary things. As His child, you can offer help and comfort to others when they’re afraid. How can you be a help to someone and encourage them to say farewell to fear?

Today’s Key Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Do not fear; God is with you!