I’m Scared Daddy!
Caleb whimpered, “I’m scared to go over Daddy! Please make it smaller.” My husband Jonathan replied, “No, but I can make the ladder taller for you.”
Our 5-year-old son Caleb said a firm “No!” Jonathan encouraged him to go up the ladder and cheered him on. He also told Caleb that he would go with him.
Caleb started to climb and went to the top. Immediately the fear returned. He didn’t want to go across and down the other side of the ladder. Jonathan reminded Caleb, “When you get over, you’ll feel proud and brave.” But, instead of going over, Caleb started to climb back down.
Take My Hand
Jonathan asked Caleb why he was coming back down. Caleb replied, “I thought I was going to fall.” Jonathan challenged Caleb to tell himself that he could get over the ladder and that it will be fun.
Caleb hesitantly climbed the ladder. Jonathan told him “Take my hand. I will make sure you won’t fall, I will hold you.”
Caleb grabbed his Daddy’s hand and climbed over the ladder. At the bottom of the other side, Caleb’s chest puffed out. He gave a high five to Jonathan and then ran away in excitement. Less than a minute later, Caleb was back climbing the ladder again with absolutely no fear.
Trust
Have you ever felt afraid to do something? Maybe it felt too big and you knew you couldn’t overcome the obstacle. And so you asked God to make it smaller.
Sweet friend, I know the feeling. Countless times I have asked God to make it smaller. I love how this story of our son Caleb is a picture of our heavenly Daddy. As I watched the story of Caleb on the ladder unfold, the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart about trusting Him.
I am a lot like Caleb. I feel afraid to climb the “ladders” in life. I want to give up and just come down. But, when I do that, I miss out on so much. Instead, I need to remember the three truths from today’s key verse.
"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
God is with Us
First, God is with us. Second, He doesn’t want us to be afraid and lastly, God will help us.
God is right there cheering us on to climb higher in life through the obstacles that stand in our way. What a promise that the God of the universe is with us!
Secondly, God doesn’t want us to be afraid. But, how often do we climb back down because it’s too hard or we are fearful of what is on the other side?
At this point, we need to lean into the Holy Spirit and hear His voice encouraging us to speak truth over the situation. We need to tell ourselves we can get up and over the ladder.
And lastly, we must remember that God will help us. Do you remember when Jonathan told Caleb to take his hand? Sweet friends, God says the same thing to us in our verse for today.
…I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
God is holding your hand through whatever you are facing today. He won’t let you fall. (Psalm 121:3)
Climb over
In July of 2018, I presented a book idea to two agents. I poured so much into the book proposal. I walked away with great feedback on what to do to make my book proposal better.
Though it was a great experience, I wrestled with doubts and fears. Would I ever make it in the publishing world? Did I hear God right? Am I supposed to keep writing?
I was afraid to climb over this ladder in life. I had a choice to make. Would I come back down the ladder or take God’s hand and climb over? I chose to walk through my doubts and fears. I chose to climb up.
I am so grateful I did. God has shaped me and molded me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. This November, my book Becoming an Intentional Family will be published. I am glad I chose to climb up and over.
Are you scared?
Sweet friend, where in life are you afraid to climb? What is holding you back from climbing over the top of the ladder? Let the Holy Spirit speak into your heart about those areas.
And once you realize the area, I encourage you to take your Heavenly Daddy’s hand. Instead of asking God to make the ladder smaller, start climbing. He won’t let you fall. God will be with you every step of the way.
Let's Pray
Dear God, thank you for the obstacles in life. I may not always appreciate them, but I know you are using them for my good. Help me to trust you and climb up the ladders in life. Thank you that you are with me and you won’t let me fall. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
As you reflect on God’s Word, take some time to answer these questions. Please share your answers to any of the questions in the comments below. Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you.
- What area of your life are you struggling to trust?
- What is holding you back from trusting God? Give that to God and take His hand.
- In what ways has God been faithful to you in the challenges of life? How has He provided for you in those times?
Take God's Hand
One of the ways to take God’s hand is by reflecting on the truth in His Word. I use Scripture verse lock screens and desktop wallpapers to do this. As I work on my computer or look at my phone throughout the day, I have God’s truth in front of me. I created some lock screens and desktop wallpapers using several Scripture verses. I would love to share these with you. My heart is to encourage you to keep your thoughts fixed on God.
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The family posts focus center around the importance of friends and family in your life. They cover a wide range of topics including Marriage, Family, Parenting, Friendship, Kids, and School. Additionally, the family posts delve into aspects of home life, share book reviews, and explore the significance of holidays.
