Daily Devotional for May 30, 2021
Don’t Worry, Pray!
Gabe crumpled up his paper and threw it across the kitchen table. “I hate math. These word problems don’t make any sense!”
“Read one to me,” said Mom. “We can figure it out together.”
Gabe read the problem out loud. “Ryan found forty-five golf balls. His dad gave him three more. Then Ryan sold one-third of all his golf balls to Sam. After Sam took his, Ryan lost six balls. How many balls did he have left?”
“Okay.” Mom grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil. “So what’s the first step?”
Together, Gabe and his mom calculated the answer, then went on to find answers to five more word problems. But Gabe was still worried. “I’m gonna bomb this test tomorrow,” he said, rubbing a hand over his eyes.
“But you just finished six problems correctly!” said Mom.
Gabe shrugged. “With your help! I’m afraid I’m going to forget things and mess it all up.”
Mom closed the math book. “Gabe, you have done everything you should to prepare for this math test. Everything, that is, except the most important thing.”
“What’s that?” Gabe asked.
“Throughout the Bible, God tells us not to worry or be scared. Instead, we should ask Him for help with every problem we face, then trust that He will bring it.” Mom grinned and ruffled Gabe’s hair. “Now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t study hard, do your homework, and listen in class. We should do what we can to prepare for things like math tests. But you also need to pray and ask Jesus to help you do your best. Then give your worries to Him and trust Him with the situation.” Mom looked Gabe in the eyes. “And remember that no matter what grade you get on your test, He will always love you and be with you. If things don’t go the way you had hoped, you can share your worries with Him then too and feel peace knowing He will take care of you.”
Gabe closed his eyes and folded his hands. “Jesus, please help me remember that You are with me when I take this test tomorrow. Help me feel Your peace, knowing You’ll take care of me, no matter what happens. Thank You, Lord. Amen.” Gabe opened his eyes. “Now I’m really prepared!”
-Bonnie Carr
How about you?
Are you worried about something? Have you spent time working on the problem and still feel nervous things won’t turn out well? Don’t forget the most important thing you can do is pray. Talk to Jesus about your worries, and remember that He promises to take care of you, no matter what happens. Then prepare as best you can and trust Him with the results.
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