Fear Not!

To Sabbath School teachers: This story is for Sabbath, April 4.

By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission

Eight-year-old Rebeka Emma Keresi enjoyed her summer vacation in Estonia. She and Mother visited grandparents and other relatives. But soon the summer ended, and they returned to their home north of the Arctic Circle in Norway.

Rebeka was happy to be back in Sortland, a small island town of 10,000 people. Then she remembered the girl.

At the end of the previous school year, the girl had said something very unkind. Now Rebeka was afraid to see her again. Maybe she would say something unkind.

Rebeka told Mother about her worries. Mother tenderly wrapped Rebeka in her arms.

“I’m also worried about something,” Mother said, softly. “In a few days, I will start a new nursing job. I’m afraid that I don’t speak the Norwegian language well enough to do my work.”

Mother, who was born in Estonia, had been studying Norwegian for more than four years. But it was hard!

Looking at Rebeka, Mother said, “God is almighty. God has a way for us, and He is preparing the way for us. Let’s pray.”

Rebeka and Mother closed their eyes.

“Thank You, God, that You are preparing a way for Rebeka and me,” Mother prayed.

In her prayer, Rebeka thanked God for helping her at school and for helping Mother at work.

“Let’s claim God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10,” Mother said.

Mother had memorized the verse, and she suggested that Rebeka repeat after her.

“Fear not, for I am with you,” Mother said.

“Fear not, for I am with you,” said Rebeka.

“Be not dismayed, for I am your God,” Mother said.

“Be not dismayed, for I am your God,” repeated Rebeka.

“I will strengthen you,” Mother said.

“I will strengthen you.”

“Yes, I will help you.”

“Yes, I will help you.”

“I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

“I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Rebeka felt better after talking with Mother, and she went off to play with her favorite plush bunny. That evening, however, Rebeka remembered the girl as she lay in bed. Mother patted her head.

“I’m also worried when I think about my new job,” Mother said. “But God is almighty. God has a way for us.”

Rebeka and Mother closed their eyes and thanked God for preparing a way.

Afterward praying, Mother and Rebeka recited Isaiah 41:10.

“Fear not, for I am with you,” Mother said.

“Fear not, for I am with you,” said Rebeka.

“Be not dismayed, for I am your God.”

“Be not dismayed, for I am your God.”

“I will strengthen you.”

“I will strengthen you.”

“Yes, I will help you.”

“Yes, I will help you.”

“I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

“I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

In the morning, Rebeka and Mother prayed and claimed the Bible promise again. They also prayed about school and the new job the next evening and at breakfast, lunch, and supper. They prayed this way every day. Sometimes in the middle of the day, when Rebeka felt worried about school or Mother felt worried about her new job, they also prayed.

Before long, Rebeka memorized Isaiah 41:10, and she and Mother prayed the promise at the same time.

Rebeka wasn’t scared on the first day of school. To her joy, the girl didn’t say a single unkind word. In fact, the girl was kind and friendly. Rebeka was so happy that God had heard the prayers!

Mother, meanwhile, started her new job. She didn’t have any difficulty speaking Norwegian. She loved caring for patients. Mother was so happy that God had heard the prayers!

Part of this quarter’s Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will help open a youth community center in Rebeka’s hometown, Sortland, so people can learn about the almighty God who answers prayers. Thank you for planning on giving a generous offering.