Daily Devotional for October 7, 2022
Lost and Afraid
Jonah was excited when he and his family arrived at their favorite state park in Florida. He loved camping and couldn’t wait to hike the boardwalk trail through the slough. The wetlands were full of wildlife, and he knew they’d see lots of different kinds of birds and maybe even some alligators.
But before they went hiking, they had to have lunch. Jonah hopped around impatiently as Mom got out the food. “Can I go the playground?” he asked.
“Just be careful and watch for snakes,” Mom said.
Jonah nodded and ran to the playground. From the top of the giant slide, he saw a kitten by the edge of the woods. What’s that kitten doing over there? Jonah thought. An alligator might get him! Jonah quickly slid down the slide and darted after the kitten, but the kitten ran into the woods. Jonah ran in after him. When he finally caught the kitten, he looked around and didn’t know where he was.
Jonah hugged the kitten close to him. “ I think we’re lost,” he said.
As Jonah started walking in the direction he thought they’d come from, he remembered a Bible verse his mom had taught him. Psalm 56:3—When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. “Jesus,” Jonah prayed, “I’m afraid, but I know You’re with me because you died for me and promised never to leave me. Please help me find my way back. Amen.”
Soon Jonah heard a voice shouting his name. It was a park ranger. “I’m over here!” Jonah yelled.
When the ranger brought Jonah back to camp, his parents gave him a big hug. “We were so worried!” Mom said.
The park ranger patted the kitten’s head. “This little guy’s family will be glad to see him. He wandered away from their campsite a few hours ago. But don’t go off into the woods again by yourself, Jonah, not even for a kitten. It’s dangerous, and you could have been hurt.”
Jonah nodded. “Don’t worry, I won’t do that again,” he assured them all.
After the ranger left, Mom brought the food to the picnic table and they sat down to pray. Jonah thanked God for their food and then said an extra big thank-you for being with him and keeping him safe.
-Lisa Fuller
How about you?
Have you ever been lost and afraid? It can be very scary, but the Bible assures us God is always with us and that He will help us. When you feel afraid, turn to Jesus. Give your fears to Him, knowing that He died and rose again so you could be with Him forever. He promises to be with you and help you when you’re lost and afraid. Let’s thank God for that today!
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