CBH Ministries- Keys for Kids: Scardy Rabbit Fears


"I don't get it," Eryn sighed as she stroked her pet rabbit. "Bunnie loves to be petted, but when I want to pick him up, he tries to run away. Is he afraid of being high up?" 

"He might be," said Mom. "Some kinds of animals need to be able to escape, because there's always danger of a predator coming to get them. Bunnie probably doesn't feel safe if he can't run away." 

"That's silly," protested Eryn. "If a predator comes near, he'll be safer if I'm holding him than he would be on the ground." 

"Yes, but it's just his natural instinct," said Mom. "Now leave Bunnie alone and go get ready. We need to be at the hospital in an hour." 

Eryn sighed. "Do we have to go? I don't feel like playing with sick kids." 

"Then why did you sign up?" Mom asked. 

"In Sunday school, Mrs. Grey said that a good way to do something for God is to do something for others. So when she said volunteers were needed for the children's hospital, I thought it would be a good idea," explained Eryn. "But hardly anybody else signed up, and I won't know anyone there." 

"You'll be too busy to notice," said Mom. 

"But what do I say to the kids?" Eryn asked.

"Trust God to show you," suggested Mom.

"But what if they ask me questions I can't answer? Can't I just stay home?" pleaded Eryn. 

Mom smiled. "You sound a little bit like your rabbit at this moment." Eryn looked at Bunnie, confused. "You said Bunnie would be safer in your arms than anywhere else, remember?" asked Mom. "He loves you, but he doesn't seem to really trust you to keep him safe. Right?" Eryn nodded. "Well, aren't you acting the same way toward God?" Mom asked. "You volunteered because you want to do something for Him, but you seem to be afraid to trust Him to help you with this assignment." 

Eryn looked at Bunnie who was eating in the safety of his cage. Then she gave her mother a little smile. "Well, I don't want to be a scardy cat . . . or I guess I should say a scardy rabbit," she decided. "Okay. I'll get ready to go to the hospital."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you want to serve God? That's good, but how do you act when He shows you something you can do for Him? When there's a chance to speak up and let other kids know you believe in God, do you do it or are you afraid they'll think you're odd? Do you step up when you see an opportunity to be a friend to someone? Do you offer help when you see a need? Or are you afraid you'll do or say the wrong thing? Never be afraid to do any task God gives you. Trust Him to help you with it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm 100:2