Greater is He...

Aila is afraid of rain. It used to be just storms, but last year graduated to all rain (and the potential of storms from that rain!) The same sensitive nature that makes her so loving is also the thing that brings challenges with her personality. As Anneka says "Aila feels stuff REALLY LOUD"

When it came to her fear of rain...she found great comfort in cuddling her giant Lion whom she called "Aslan". (She saw the Narnia films, and fell in love with the idea of Jesus as a protective Lion!) So though she was slightly soothed, she still had a debilitating fear that caused her to break out in a sweat, and literally shake until she fell asleep from exhaustion. Poor thing!

In the winter, when we were thankfully rain-free for a season...I had a long talk with her. It turned out that the actual fear deep down was that the city would flood. So it wasn't the rain, but the fear of flooding. I took out a pen, and began to explain what the sewer and drainage system was....and how its job was to prevent flooding. We had a 'lightbulb' moment...and she seemed to be calmed by the concept.

Now that spring is here...so is the rain. She still becomes very anxious when it starts to rain. So after appealing to her logic, I decided to appeal to her spiritual side...and showed her some bible verses.

"Aila...did you know that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in YOU!? (Romans 8:11) And that's the same Spirit that created the universe! All inside of you. And the bible says that Greater is He that lives in you...than anything in this world.(1 John 4:4) That means the Lord that is living in you is also greater than your fear. Its like Aslan INSIDE of you...not only to cuddle with. That means that when you are afraid...you can take a breath...close your eyes...and repeat this really simply bible verse Greater is He that lives in me! And Gods love and power and calm  (2 Timothy 1:7) will overtake your fear and bring you peace!"

I didn't know what you expect after a long speech like that!! ha ha. I kinda thought she'd yawn and ask for a slice of cheese (as is her usual response to most things). But her eyes went wide...a calm came over her, and she walked away repeating to herself "Greater is He...that lives in me..."

It was so beautiful to see her openess to things of God. Her sensitive heart that causes her to have so many fears, is also the part of her that is so open to the Spirit...and so easily in touch with Him! Now, after that talk...in only moments, she can stop, closer her eyes, say a prayer, breathe in, and let the Holy Spirit fill her mind and body...and bring her total peace. Her faith is so simple, so pure..and 100% honest. And her trust in The Lion called Jesus is absolute.

Luke 18:17
"Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”