Fear

Sebastian Coe was one of the greatest middle-distance runners in England’s history. During his career, he set eleven world records and won gold medals in the 1,500-meter event at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. He was favored to win the 800-meter event at the 1980 Olympics but lost to his archrival and countryman, Steve Ovett. That loss delivered fear to his heart when he faced Ovett six days later in the 1,500-race. What if he failed?

Uncertainty is the only certainty in our lives. We just don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Money markets rise and fall. Health can take a quick turn. Children make decisions that alter their lives…and ours. One phone call can change everything. Uncertainty around us produces fears within us. But…the fear of uncertainty doesn’t wear well on followers of Jesus.

Have you read today’s newsfeed? The world has changed since you last scrolled through the news—division in government. Stocks are up and down—medical updates. Sports teams win and lose. Players get traded. A coach resigns, and another gets fired. Evil leaders attempt to expand their kingdoms by taking over another area. The world revolves around a twenty-four-hour cycle of change. What will happen next? No one is certain.

“Am I good enough?” “Am I worthy?” “Does my life count?” “Will I be remembered?” All these questions, and many more like them, come from a heart desiring significance. It’s this drive for significance, or the fear of insignificance, that places us on a perilous path. Let’s consider the story of Absalom, who, I believe, struggled with the fear of insignificance.

Have you surrendered your life to God? Have you waived your rights, transferred control, and submitted to him? Have you said, “You are God, and I am not.”? Have you trusted in Jesus alone as the One who makes surrender life-changing? Have you come to grips with your spiritual need?

“I don’t measure up.” “I am not sure I have what it takes.” “I’m physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted.” “I’m in over my head.” “What if I fail?” “What will people think of me?” Do you ever have these thoughts and questions? An inner gnawing that you are just not enough? You are not alone. Let me introduce you to a man named Moses.

When I was growing up, there was a plaque hanging on a wall in our house that read, “Don’t worry. It may never happen.” I passed that saying many times each day, and those words became branded on my brain. So, of course, I never worry. (I wish!)

My friend is a daredevil…to say the least. I had never seen him back down from anything. That’s why I was so surprised he wouldn’t climb the pole to the zipline platform. Granted, the platform was high and the climb precarious, but I never expected him to say, “I’m not climbing that pole!” No matter how much we encouraged and cajoled, his feet stayed planted on the ground. Here’s one thing I concluded from my friend’s refusal: Everybody has a “Pole of Fear.” You may be described as a risk taker, but there is something you won’t or can’t do because of your fear.

Thanks for taking the time to read these devotionals. At The Journey, we aim to help you engage in God’s Word. As we continue to consider Promises in the Psalms, we learn today that when we walk with Jesus, we never have to be afraid.