Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
PSALM 34:5 – 6
We live in a dark world. Rain falls. Storms come. Lightning strikes. Our lives can shatter at any moment. The roof can fall in. As long as we live, we will have something to lose — little pieces of ourselves. The people we love, the life choices we cherish — there is always something at risk, something dear, some cause for fear. We can choose to surrender to that fear and let it rule our lives, or we can surrender all those things we love and fear we will lose to Christ and live fearlessly — undaunted.
Once, my paralyzing fear of flying kept me bound to the island of Australia. But because Jesus calmed that fear, the very thing I once dreaded has become my vehicle to minister to others in darkness. I overcame the fear of flying very early in my ministry life, but I have had to make ongoing choices not to fall back into that fear and allow it to rule me. For instance, on a flight from Chicago to North Carolina, the captain informed us that the landing gear was malfunctioning and we would have to return to Chicago, prepared for a difficult landing. As he announced our approach back at O’Hare Airport and gave instructions, I watched the people around me brace for the worst. They held onto the armrests of their seats or the hand or arm of the person sitting next to them. Many audibly prayed.
I closed my eyes.
My hand in Nick’s, I prayed silently: “Lord, I am ever so grateful you helped me choose to push through my fear of flying. There were times I never thought I would or could get back on a plane, but I so wanted your will and purpose for my life. How many times have I had to choose to get on a flight afraid — and yet every time, you have been with me, comforting me, enabling me, strengthening me? And because of that I have been able to go to so many cities and nations around the world and reach people I would never have otherwise been able to reach.”
Greeted by the sound of rubber hitting the tarmac, the passengers erupted in spontaneous applause. As we gradually decelerated down the long runway, we passed police cars with sirens blasting, fire trucks, ambulances, and ground personnel. Within minutes, the door of the plane was opening, and light was streaming in. Once again I was grateful that I had not allowed fear to have its way in my life. Instead I chose God’s power, strength, and a sound mind.
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
What are the three things you fear most in life?
Where will you start to challenge your fears and begin to live undaunted?