“Mom, it’s like God wants me to be afraid of these bugs,” my six year old daughter said.She has been terrified to go outside lately. All of a sudden a new fear popped up, and it doesn’t seem to be budging—this time it is about bugs.No, No,” I replied, “He doesn’t want you to be scared of anything at all—quite the opposite.”

“Then why hasn’t He helped me yet?,” she asked.

Oh my sweet girl. How do you explain to a six year old why God hasn’t answered. How do you answer these type of questions when you struggle with the same kinds of questions yourself at times.

As I spoke to her I felt God was speaking to my own heart…Sweet Child, I never want you to be scared.I care about your fears even when they are small little things—even things as small as a bug.

I am with you, I never leave you—I am standing right next to.The things that seem scary to you don’t scare me.

You do not have to be fearful because I can handle all of it for you. I will take care of you and protect you.

Trust me, in the waiting. I want to strengthen you so you can stand up to your fears.

I want you to know you are powerful because you are my child.Draw closer to me and your fears will become smaller.

It seems so often in the midst of teaching my children God is really teaching me. The words I speak to them about God, speak into my own spirit at the same time.He is with us in our fears—whether something small like tiny bugs or big deep rooted fear.It all matters to Him, He cares deeply about both.He will strengthen her to face her fears, and at the same time He will strengthen me to face mine. With God (and a little bug spray), we walked outside hand in hand and faced her fear together.