Preparing for this trip has meant a lot of "firsts" for Tanner. And I know there will be many more to come once they arrive in Nepal later this week! It has also required that he face some fears. When we first talked to him about the possibility of going, he didn't hesitate and was excited about the idea. And then he heard about the vaccines he would need and his tune quickly changed! There was a genuine fear about the multiple shots, and we told him that the decision was up to him. We gave him time to think and pray about it and assured him that there would be other opportunities if he didn't feel like going this time. After several weeks, he came to us one morning and told us he wanted to go because he felt God had spoken to his heart. And while the fear was still there, he now had the confidence to face it because he knew God would help him. I recorded this video so he could share in his own words:
He got his last shot last week, and he did great! God truly did show up and Tanner was amazed each time at how "easy" it was!
Watching Tanner wrestle through this very real fear has been such an encouragement to me. And a great reminder that so often when God calls us to do something, there is a fear we have to get past. Those fears can look different for everyone, but they are still very real for each person and it is our choice whether we will let those fears hold us back or whether we will give them to God and allow Him to walk with us THROUGH those fears.
Isaiah 41:10
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.
