It was a trip we had been excited about for months – our first cruise.  The preparation included a long, painful visit to the Passport Office, where my kids got bored within the first five minutes and numerous visits to the store to pick up last-minute items. Nevertheless, the excitement pushed us through, and finally the day arrived.

After a long maze through security lines where we inched closer to the massive ship, we were finally inside! It truly was an unbelievable sight.  People were everywhere, some lounging on the sofas nearby and others, relaxed, and chatting excitedly.  They seemed like they were pros at cruising.

We were newbies at this, wandering around and looking lost. So, my husband found an information desk while I tried to entertain the kids.

We had been inside for less than 10 minutes when I heard a sharp cry from my son.  I turned around and saw that he was leaning over with a cut on his forehead, blood gushing out. Apparently, he had fallen as he was getting up from his seat and hit himself on a nearby table.  Grabbing the closest backpack, I pulled out a piece of clothing and applied pressure.

I couldn’t believe it. After all the time and energy we spent getting to this point, this vacation was over…within the first ten minutes. I knew we had enough time to get off and visit an emergency room on land since we still had an hour before departure.

But, that’s not the way things happened.

Out of nowhere, help arrived. One passenger offered her pack of tissues, an employee grabbed ice, and a guest relations representative was by our side, instructing us where to go.  It was overwhelming, with a crying son, a new environment, and a bunch of decisions we would need to make. But the kindness of the people around us was comforting.

We were directed to the ship’s medical services, and while my son sat bravely on the stretcher, they took care of him.  I prayed to Jesus that he would be cared for well, and by the grace of God alone, he did fine.

Over time, I have realized that when I operate in fear, I make lousy decisions.  Prayer, in a time of chaos or panic, does two things for me: it calms me down and it allows me to give the issue to my Father. That day, I was praying as I watched the doctor work on my son.

Daniel was a gifted man who was given visions by God.  After one particular vision, as recorded in Daniel 10:9-10 (NLT), his response looked like this:  “My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.”

Sounds like he was in disbelief.

But, then, this happens: “Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.”  (Daniel 10:10-11 NLT)

Precious.  Daniel was precious.

So are you.

When was the last time, fear crept up and you felt weak?  In that moment of your disbelief and hopelessness, Jesus is reaching out to you and saying, “Daughter, you are very precious…”

Leave your burden to him and feel the strength return. Then, act out in courage rather than fear. There is a calm that comes over you even in the most dire moments.

When I thought all was lost, God made a way. And because we knew God was in control, my husband and I were able to make rational decisions in regards to our son’s care.

We eventually made it to our room, and fortunately, I was able to witness my son’s courage and joy throughout our vacation. He didn’t let this setback stop him from playing multiple rounds of golf or constantly visiting the ice cream machine!

“Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!”

(Lyrics from What a Friend We Have in Jesus by Joseph M. Scriven)

~Betsy