Our morning school routine hasn’t changed in almost two years. The boys wake up and pick a cartoon to watch while they eat breakfast. I pack their lunches and set them on the counter by the door.
Around 7:45 I tell them its time to turn the TV off and get ready to leave. They both are expected to use the bathroom, if needed, put their lunches in their backpack and put on their shoes.
For two years we’ve had the same routine. They’ve had plenty of practice. Can you guess how many times I had to tell them to put their shoes on this morning? Five!
One of them literally was walking out the door, backpack on, and I pointed to his stocking feet with that, “I think you forgot something!” look that every mother has, and every kid knows.
Instead of yelling, I began contemplating why in the world do I have to ask him five times to do something? Why won’t he listen and obey the first time?
Then that gentle, small voice lovingly said, “Kim, I can think of several times I’ve asked you to do something more than once.” It didn’t feel condemning, instead it felt like a warm arm wrapped around my shoulder reminding me to be patient with my kids.
God was meeting me in my frustration and reminding me how I’ve routinely been shown his patience when he lovingly calls me to do something… again.
The answer is in the most repeated command in the Bible
The Bible is full of instructions. From the Ten Commandments to hundreds of godly people living by example, the Scriptures serve as an instruction manual for believers. But the Bible does repeat one command more than any other, “Do not be afraid.” That’s it! I’m slow to obey because I’m afraid!
“Do not be afraid,” or some version of it, appears in the Bible 366 times. One author points out that 366 times is enough to remind us daily for a year, even in a leap year! So why does God need to warn us to not be afraid so many times? John Ortberg suggests the reason “God says ‘fear not’ so often is because fear is the number one reason human beings are tempted to avoid doing what God asks them to do. ” (Page 118, If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat)
So, what do I fear? What do you fear? We’ll explore that question next week. Stay tuned.
I’ll share in the comments a fear I’ve had this week. I’d love to hear what fears you are struggling with and pray for you! Comment below.
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Many of you saw on stories this week that my car broke down. Ugh! I’m still waiting to hear from the dealer the final prognosis. It’s possible the entire repair will be covered under an extended warranty. This is what we are praying for. It’s also possible we will be faced with deciding to do a very costly repair or buying another used car. Fear has creeped in as I sit and wait for more information. Fear of all the unexpected costs that may be coming, fear of being taken advantage of, and fear of not having transportation when I need it. But God has showed me over and over that He has taken care of me up to this point and will continue to provide for my every need. Even as I still wait for the verdict on my car, I’ve had friends offer to take me to run errands, pick up kids from school and so many I know are praying for us as we work through these decisions. Today I will remember 2 Timothy 1:7 “…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”