“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my

righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

I remember years ago when we were coming up the fishing trail, bringing our well-caught deserved river salmon home. I was with my

grandmother, and there were two other children who were ages seven and nine. I was nine years of age.

For some reason our dogs did not go with us that night. That night we met a bear on the trail! It put so much fear in us that we almost tore my grandmother’s clothes off of her clinging to her!

Grandmother was calm as a cucumber and spoke words in our language. The bear left us alone and left the area. I am not sure what she said, but that bear listened. (Interestingly, I found out later that we are from the Bear clan!) Whatever the reason the bear left us alone, I know that my grandmother was my hero at that moment.

The Scripture above tells us that we should not fear, for God will always be there for you. You should not have to worry about anything

because He’s got you. It was like my grandmother. She was there when we needed protection from fear. She just spoke and the bear left.

I truly, truly believe that is all the Lord has to do—to speak, and the fear will leave us. He has us with His righteous right hand. Think

about it—one hand, not two! So, when it comes to struggle with fear, remember that He is always going to be there for us.

It was during that time when my grandmother was starting her path as a believer, and I am certain she placed her faith in the Lord.

– Kirby James

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org