I know Jesus talked about the faith of a child, and that’s a goal we all should strive for. Today I thought I’d talk about the fear of a child.

Not the child who hears thunder at midnight or believes there’s a monster under the bed. Specifically, Bridger Walker.

Six-year old Bridger was with his sister playing at a friend’s house when a dog started to charge at his sister. Bridger stepped in front to take on the attack to spare his sister. When the dog latched on to his cheek, the brother yelled at his sister to run to safety.

His bravery resulted in injuries that required a two-hour surgery and ninety stitches. In an Instagram message his aunt posted, Bridger shared that, “If someone was going to die, I thought it should be me.”

I’m sure Bridger was afraid. But the fear of the child, Bridger Walker, saved his sister. It also caught the attention of the actors who play the Avengers. Many of them have reached out, including Chris Evans, who sent Bridger a Captain America shield.

Bridger’s fear is exceptional. There’s also the fear of a toddler who climbs the furniture, the boys who race their bikes or skateboards, or the girl jumping off the diving board for the first time.

Life is scary and God knows that. But as I’ve been reading through Mark Batterson’s 40-Day Drawing the Circle prayer challenge, He can’t help when we don’t believe Him for big things. When we live with small faith, God’s hands are tied.

We might not be facing a charging dog, but 2020 sure has had some challenges. Social media has displayed so many reactions. And fear is there.

Not long ago I went to Dollar General and the fear was so strong from a couple customers I could feel it. They were rigid in posture, panicky in their tone, and vigilant that every protocol against Covid was maintained in their presence. It went beyond safe practices and common sense.

They were terrified to live.

That’s been tempting. It’s almost daily where information changes. I’ve had to fight the fear about if I’ve handled the virus correctly with a daughter at risk. Am I right to trust our school’s plans? Should I be at Dollar General? On and on I could go.

Not one aspect of 2020 is a shock to God, not even what’s to come in September or later in the year. He’s asking for mustard seed faith—that small act that shows God you’re not going to live in a safe box, nor are you going to stop living at all.

Julie Arduini

I shared with a weary friend that all Jesus asks of us is to let Him fight His battles. Us? Wait on the couch for His return and ask Him to share His day. That’s a comforting image for me.

If you’re feeling the heavy blanket of oppression fall on you to the point where you’re afraid to move, have the faith and fear of a child. The kind that looks at danger, shrugs, and takes it. Like Bridger.

And Jesus.

You can read more about Bridger’s story here.