Olivia and Liam were taking a test, and Liam could tell that Olivia was worried. So after class Liam asked Olivia what was wrong. She said, “I don’t feel like I got a good grade on the test.”
Liam replied, “Olivia, remember the verse we read at the beginning of the day? It was from Isaiah 41, “‘Fear, not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,’”
Olivia sighed, “Well,” she said, “actually there’s more than that. It’s that I don’t think I’m going to get accepted to my dream college. My mom and dad are pressuring me to get these amazing grades and I feel like I’ve done all that I can do. But of course, they still think I can do more, when I can’t.”
Olivia wiped a tear away from her eye, “And I have a bigger problem … I don’t feel God always answers my prayers.”
Liam replied with a sigh, “Olivia, no matter how hard things might get, God is always going to respond to your prayers. God knew you were hurting and stressed and I noticed, I’m here to help you remember that God does not want you to fear. God will be your strength.”
Olivia and Liam walked in silence for a few seconds, “Maybe we could talk again?” Olivia asked. “I feel like I can keep going if you help me to remember to fear not and pray.” Olivia continued.
Liam smiled, “I will pray with you and we will untie all those fear knots!”
Have you ever let the stresses and problems of the day tangle you up in fear knots? That heavy feeling in your stomach or the squeezing in your shoulders that everything is wrong? Or when will it get better? God knows all about your fear knots. Ask for help, take time to pray. Don’t be afraid to ask God to untie those fear knots!
— Devotion written by Kayleigh, grade 6, Zion Lutheran School in Bay City
Photo (c) Tomwang112/iStock
