“Are you feeling okay, Grace? You seem a bit off.”

Grace gave her mom a weak smile.  “I’m fine, I guess. Just really freaked out by the news and everything that’s going on.” She fiddled with a button on her shirt. “Mom, do you think Grandma and Grandpa will be okay? I really don’t want them to get sick.”

“I don’t either, honey,” Grace’s mom said as she sat beside her. “But I trust that God is in control and believe that everything will turn out okay.”

“That’s what Grandma keeps saying,” Grace responded. “She even sounds cheerful! I don’t understand how you both can be so calm about this. I can’t stop watching the news and I’m so scared!” Grace sniffed and hid her face in her hands. “Why can’t I be brave like you and Grandma?”

“Oh, sweetie.” Mom pulled Grace in for a tight hug. “Being afraid doesn’t mean you’re not brave. We all get scared, but the important thing is what we do with our fear.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, let’s see. Can you think of anyone who was really brave in the Bible?”

Grace nodded. “My favorite is Elijah. I love how he faced 40 false prophets and called down fire from heaven.”

“Ah, yes – Elijah was very brave. But then he got scared.”

“No way! Why?”

“Queen Jezebel didn’t appreciate him making a fool of her false prophets, so she threatened to kill him. Knowing that Jezebel was a very wicked woman, Elijah got frightened and ran away. But the story didn’t end there. Elijah allowed God to lead him to a cave and then he listened to what God had to say.”

“Then did he go back and battle the queen?” Grace asked.

Mom laughed. “No, he didn’t. God knew that Elijah was afraid because he felt alone. So, God told him about other believers in Israel and then sent him to find a disciple – Elisha.”

“Oh, I like him too!”

“Yes, Elisha was pretty cool as well. But Elijah was brave because he trusted God with his fear and listened to what God told him. You can do the same. God knows what’s bothering you, and He knows exactly what you need to feel His peace. He was a refuge for Elijah, and He can be one for you too if you let Him.”

Grace nodded. “Thanks, Mom; I will.”

Practical Application:

The world can be a scary place, and the news is often filled with frightening events. If you constantly feel terrified, you’re not alone. Fear is a normal response to troubling circumstances. God understands our fears and He welcomes us to hand them over to Him so that He can replace them with His peace. Psalm 62:8 says “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

http://reverentiallyspeakinglove.blogspot.com/2012/10/in-times-of-trouble-remain-encouraged.html