Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
In the early 1990s, I got pregnant while my husband and I prepared to serve as teachers in a university in China. Although this put a new spin on our one-year contract, we proceeded with the preparations and flew thousands of miles from home.
I recall writing in my prayer journal –
Lord, I know you are leading us to China, you’ve confirmed the decision every step of the way. But I’m afraid of having to give birth so far from my family. I feel like Mary, if only a little bit, when she had to travel to Bethlehem in her ninth month. Like Mary, I will trust you Lord …and if you don’t change our plans, I will take it as a GO.
My fear prayed, please God, change our plans. He didn’t.
Fear often accompanies unknown future events. We were prepared to face an unfamiliar culture, living situation, diet, and language. But the pregnancy added concerns about the Chinese medical system, hospital, labor and delivery – AND A BABY! We walked in a faith deepened by our new dependency on Christ.
The year in China was full of unexpected trials and joys. God was kind and faithful to us. He placed people in our lives who loved and encouraged us. The day I went into labor, my mother-in-law, our translator, the driver, my husband, and I climbed into the car, and waved to the crowd of friends and colleagues wishing us well. Twelve hours later, my daughter was born healthy and beautiful.
Fear immobilizes and even terrorizes. But faith reminds us true power and sovereignty belong to God. When we are afraid, we walk ahead – however unsteadily – trusting the unfailing love and goodness of God.
As we deal with a global pandemic, I’m convinced it’s our role as believers to remind the world, God is good. His love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and it makes our love stronger than our fear.
Forced to flee for his life, Darwin searches for the Free Mice from Grandfather’s stories. But will they accept a scaredy-mouse like him?
Darwin Finds Freedom is about a timid mouse whose circumstances force him to search for the infamous Free Mice. His journey introduces him to mountain animals who teach him about the King of all Creatures and what it takes to overcome fear.
NicoleLisa Schrader is an author and retired homeschool mother of three. She actively encourages mothers of young children online, in homeschool groups, in churches, and in her community. NicoleLisa posts a devotional blog, Hope for Every Generation, at www.nicolelisamaria.com. She founded the children’s and YA book review site www.bookblurbs.org. NicoleLisa distributes the quarterly KidLit Journal: From Children’s Book Authors to Parents. NicoleLisa is a member of Word Weavers International, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Lakeland Christian Writers, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She currently lives in central Florida with her husband.
Darwin Finds Freedom is published by Elk Lake Publishers, Inc. and is available for purchase on Amazon.com.