There are so many things that can cause us to become fearful, but being a parent is definitely at the top of my list when it comes to feeling afraid. There have been several times when my heart has literally stopped as I watch my children fall and get hurt. Seeing them start new seasons in their life and start spreading their wings can also cause a sense of fear because it means that we have to let go! 

From almost losing my first daughter to SIDS, to rushing my son to the ER because of asthma attacks, having our second son pass away in utero, and watching my second daughter rolling down a flight of wooden stairs hitting her head multiple times along the way, I have felt overwhelming worry and fear many times. But in each of these circumstances, I knew without a doubt that God was there. My first son no longer has asthma, and my daughters are perfectly healthy as well. The baby boy that passed... well, I have no doubt he is resting peacefully in the arms of our Heavenly Father until we meet again. 

Our reactions in frightful moments say a lot of what we believe about God. I had no idea of the outcomes in each situation, but God knew. These are probably the times when I have prayed most fervently! God knew I was afraid, but I was trusting in Him and clinging to His promises.

God is love and he conquered fear. What is there to be afraid of when He is greater than it all? Fear comes to distract us, cause doubt, and paralyze us. But if we are in Christ, we are made perfect in Him. Let our initial response in the face of fear be to run to our Heavenly Father, realizing that our lives are in His hands, and understanding that He is there with us every step of the way, even when that road leads us home to Him.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, help me trust you when I am afraid. Help me call unto you because you will answer. Help me accept that your plan is perfect, and your ways are good, even when things don’t happen as we expect. Thank you for being a loving Father who casts out fear when I abide in you. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

1. 1 John 4:18 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.