Fearless

Bible Reading: Isaiah 41:8-10

Brooklyn couldn’t wait to go on her youth group trip to the state park, where there would be camping, hiking, swimming, and bonfires after dinner. She packed her duffle bag and was about to zip it up when her mother walked in. “Aren’t you going to pack your Bible?” Mom asked, pointing to the dust-laden book on Brooklyn’s nightstand. “You might want it.”

Brooklyn reluctantly put it in her bag. “We’re going to be talking about the Bible the whole time! Why do I need it with me?” But her mother just nodded and left.

On the first day of her trip, Brooklyn was finishing her lunch when the head counselor made an announcement. “In twenty minutes, there will be a game of capture the flag. Afterwards we’ll have ice cream—and the winning side will be served their ice cream first!”

The group cheered as teams were chosen. Brooklyn’s team decided that she and a few others would search for the other team’s flag. Once the whistle blew, Brooklyn raced through the woods to the other side of camp. When she saw an enemy team member coming toward her, she veered off the path and ran in what she thought was the right direction. Ten minutes later, it proved her wrong. She was lost!

Sitting on a fallen tree, she tried to think of how to get back to camp, but it was hopeless. I’ll just pray, she thought, and said the most heartfelt prayer she could. Then one of the Bible verses they’d talked about earlier that day came back to her. 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. It gave her peace knowing God was with her.

Just then, Ezra, a boy from her team, appeared from behind a tree and walked up to her. “Are you lost?” he asked. “I’ll show you the way back to camp.”

Brooklyn thanked him, and they made their way back. That night, as she brushed the dust off her Bible and opened it, Brooklyn silently thanked God for being with her and for helping her not to be afraid. – Norah Varner

How About You?

Have you ever been in a situation in which you felt lost or afraid? We can always find peace by remembering the truth God gives us in His Word. Don’t let it get covered with dust! Even in the darkest moments we can be assured that He loves us and is with us. Bible verses, such as today’s Key Verse, are the tools we need to survive every situation. Use them!

Today’s Key Verse:
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God’s Word brings peace