For several months, Carson had witnessed several of his friends losing teeth and had become concerned as to why he hadn't lost a tooth. About 3 to 4 weeks ago, we realized that one of his front bottom teeth was finally becoming loose. Since that time, he has wiggled that tooth trying to prompt it to evacuate it's current home. Each week, I would say, "I think it will be out by next week." However, it was one stubborn tooth!
Yesterday, Carson decided to have an apple with part of his lunch and when he took a bite, something "popped" and the tooth was suddenly very close coming out. While initially Carson was extremely excited, the discomfort of that moment made him well aware that this could be a painful proposition and fear began to overtake him. All afternoon yesterday, my precious boy was caught in turmoil, anxiety, and fear to the point of tears over how much it was going to hurt for this tooth to come out. It broke my heart! I could tell that the tooth was so ready to come out, and I felt like it wouldn't take much for it to come out. Sadly, though, I couldn't guarantee that it wouldn't be painful. The one thing I did know was that it wasn't as bad as Carson was visualizing it in his head. I kept reassuring him, cuddling him and comforting him as best as I could- it wasn't until we prayed about it (upon his request) that he calmed. I kind of held a collective breath all evening waiting to see if the tooth fairy would make her first arrival at Carson's pillow, but alas.... no tooth.
This morning, Carson had been up a few minutes and was eating a muffin. He was walking into my room and I asked him to come give me a quick hug when he reached into his mouth and pulled out the tooth.... He was so shocked.... He was so excited. It came out totally on it's own with little to no discomfort! We took a picture and celebrated this victory for Carson. More than anything, I think he was just so relieved from all the worry and fear that had plagued him for the previous day.
Our human nature is like that- Satan attacks us with fears and we take it to the extreme, huh? Fears like losing a spouse or a child, losing a job, being diagnosed with a terrible illness, and such can make sleepless nights and drive us to extreme behaviors. The crazy part is that very few of us will ever face those situations, but Satan knows how to frighten us and get us distracted from the Father. Truth is, if we are anxious, then we are not trusting and yielding to God- we are trying to be self sufficient and when we realize just how unprepared we are, we panic and give into the schemes of the evil one. God knows we aren't prepared, capable, or equipped.... but HE is fully capable to meet all needs. If our worst fear was realized, God would still be there. He would still meet all needs whether emotional, physical, mental, financial, or spiritual. At the end of that journey, we would fall at His feet and allow Him to heal us, restore us, and make us whole. We will have troubles, but God will always be faithful to us when we seek after Him in the midst of the storm. Just as I did my best to comfort Carson yesterday- God can bring comfort to any situation through the Holy Spirit if we will give Him our pain and hurt and lay our brokenness at His feet.
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39
What are some of your fears? What are you anxious about today? Our God is our refuge and strength while in trouble and He never leaves your side. (Psalms 46:1) Don't listen to the cries of the evil one, but turn to the solid promises and truths of the Father! Rejoice and live in the relief and peace of knowing that God is fully capable of meeting every need!
No comments:
Post a Comment