Fear Not 365, Part 2
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Fear is a natural human instinct, and who knows this better than the One who created us? Because He understands, He keeps offering reassurance and comfort, constantly reminding us that He is indeed “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). In my heightened awareness of God’s sympathy with human fear, I was led to Gideon’s story in Judges 7. God gives Gideon an order and adds, “If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah” (verse 10, NIV). With the same solicitude, God sent Aaron to Moses (Exodus 4:14). When my husband was in the hospital with multiple afflictions—and for many weeks afterward as I cared for him while recuperating from my own bout with COVID-19—God sent many Purahs to assist and encourage me. Against my wishes, our daughter braved the dangers of “COVID travel” from Orlando to Huntsville in order to drive us to the hospital when her dad needed emergency surgery. As our situation became more critical, her planned one-week visit lengthened into twelve. Twice each day, my sister, a nurse administrator in Atlanta, joined me on the phone to call the hospital for a progress report. She asked most of the questions in jargon that was met with more respect than mine and “translated” to me as necessary after the call.
Packages from siblings and other relatives arrived almost every day—medical and household supplies that more than met our needs.
For months, girlfriends prepared dinners so I could spend minimal time in the kitchen, and one dear friend often sent enough Sunday breakfasts to last for three days.
During Earl’s hospital and rehab stay and for weeks afterward, the leader of my church’s prayer team called every day to pray for us and to remind me he was praying for Earl’s total restoration. Earl’s sister called from New York and said, “Your pastor has people all over the world praying for Earl.” Many calls and messages came in from friends and well-wishers.
Many prayers blessed my heart as I listened to them.
Thank You, dearest Father, for sending companions for my journey.
May we all be alert to the needs of others and be good companions along the road of life.
Lela Moore Gooding
