Have you ever done something brave? If not, you can.
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
One day, a little six-year-old boy named Kevin got to ride a really cool train called the Tweetsie Railroad. It went chugga-chugga-chugga through the mountains. Maybe you’ve been on a fun ride like that!
Kevin was watching out the window when — screeeech! — The train stopped. A man dressed all in black jumped on board and pulled out a gun to rob the train — just like Kevin had seen on TV Westerns.
Kevin didn’t even stop to think. He jumped up off his seat, ran straight at that outlaw, and kicked him as hard as he could!
“Don’t point that gun at my daddy!” Kevin yelled.
Everyone on the train started laughing and clapping! Kevin’s dad grabbed him up in a big hug. (The outlaw was just an actor — it was all part of the Tweetsie Railroad experience! But brave little Kevin didn’t know that yet.)
When Kevin saw danger, he jumped into action. He saw someone he loved, and he ran to help. That’s what love does!
Here’s the really cool part — that’s YOU.
Did you know God put that same kind of “being brave courage” inside you?
The Bible says God didn’t give you a scared spirit. Nope! He gave you something way better.
He gave you power — you’re stronger than you think! He gave you love — big enough to be brave for others. He gave you a calm, steady mind so you can think clearly even when things feel scary.
So the next time something feels scary — maybe at school, or when a friend needs help, or when someone says something mean about God — remember: fear didn’t come from God. Bravery did. And it’s already inside you!
Talk About It
What’s something that feels a little scary to you? Can you talk to God about it?
What are the three things God gave YOU instead of fear? (Check the verse!)
Is there someone you could be brave for today, just like Kevin was?
Say to God:
Thank you, Father God, that fear doesn’t come from you! You gave ME power, love, and a calm mind. Help me remember that the next time I feel scared. I want to be brave for you and for the people I love. Amen.
Kevin Spencer likes to play with words, help others play with them, and is privileged to be a staff writer for Christian Devotions. He also writes and runs North Carolina Expatriates. Kevin lives with his beautiful blessing of a wife, Charlotte, and his amazing collegiate grandson, Caleb.