We face our various fears on a daily basis, and how we handle them is our own
decision. We either let them control the quality of our lives, or we leave them
in Jesus' care.
Some of these fears are chronic, impossible to break away from. In my wilder
days, I loved the challenges of heights. I remember one time climbing all the
way to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and once I was at the top I leaned
out over the rail to look at the bottom. Boy that tower sure is crooked! Of
course, this was a few years ago, as you aren't allowed to climb the tower
anymore! In later years, I have developed a fear of heights, and the challenges
that I wouldn't have thought twice about in my childhood now seem even more
challenging than ever!
I'm afraid that I have joined the ranks of the over-the-hill gentlemen. Instead
of joining my kids on wild roller coaster rides, I'm happier hanging around with
the over-the-hillers who patiently wait for their kids at a safe distance from
those rides that I now consider to be "yuckidiyuckyuck"!
The same is true about crossing a suspension bridge. Just thinking about it, my
insides start to jump around (how is this even possible?). Sorry guys!
Stepping foot on an airplane also fills me with dread and sweat.
Although my tendency continues to be to stay away from all of these scary
things, I have handed these fears over to Jesus. Didn't He encourage us to:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
(Matt 11:28-29 NIV)? He sure gave rest to me over my fear of stepping into a
flying coffin! This terror was not conquered by my own efforts, but by His
saving grace!
You see, this year I am doing the unthinkable! I am flying to Europe with my
family! Plane crashes don't faze me any longer! If I happen to be in a plane
that crashes, I will be, in an instant, with my Lord and Maker, which is where I
really want to be. Why should I be afraid?
Have you noticed that "being afraid" is always associated with "lack of faith"
in the gospels?
"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?'" (Matt 11:28-29 NIV)
"Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40 NIV)
"Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because
of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put
out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God."
(John 12:42-43 NIV)
Terrifying and electrifying storms may surround us, but if our faith is anchored
on the Risen One, we will be fearless! Our God is bigger than our circumstances!
His advice to all of us is: "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer."
(Rev 2:10 NIV)
Why?
Because He is constantly with us and will give us His strength to face any of
our dire circumstances. "Surely I am with you always…" (Matt 28:20 NIV) We
either put our faith in terrifying, electrifying circumstances and let them
shake us to the core, or we choose to establish our faith on the Risen One who
is far above any of our ominous situations.
P. S. If the Tower of Pisa was still accessible to tourists, wouldn't you like
to climb it with me? After all, what is there to fear?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.