What Are You Afraid Of?

The Cherokee Indians used to have a rite of passage that young boys had to experience before they were considered to be men. A boy’s father would lead him far out into the woods, blindfold him and give him a few instructions. He was to sit on a stump. He was not to lie down or sleep. He was not to remove the blindfold or leave until after the morning light began to push its way through the cloth that wrapped his eyes. He cannot talk or cry out for help. The father then leaves for the village. If the boy survives the night, he is a man.

The boy is terrified. Throughout the night, the boy would shiver as the cold dew settles in on him. He would hear the sounds of coyotes howling in the distance or of boar rustling through the brush. He would hear the wind moaning through the trees. He could hear all kinds of frightening sounds around him.

Finally, however, after a night of terror, the sun would climb up over the hills and the young boy would remove his blindfold. It was only then that he would discover that his father was sitting a short distance away. Although the boy had no idea, his father had been on watch all night ensuring that his son was safe.

Our Father’s Promise Is Often Forgotten

In our modern age, Christians seem plagued with a thousand sources of fear and anxiety. Much like the little boy in our story, Christians seem to hear and feel fear all around them: fear of financial ruin, fear of what other people think, fear of car accidents or plane crashes, fear of losing children or a spouse, fear of fires or tornados, fear of heights, fear of rejection, fear of losing a job. The list could go on.

“…For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” ~ Hebrews 13:5-6

Scripture exhorts us to remember that God is with us and that he desires us to be bold in our lives as we serve and love Him. God makes it clear that, despite the fears that loom all around us, he wants us to live in the peace and confidence that He will provide for us. This theme is echoed all throughout the Bible. Too often, however, Christians forget all about the guiding, protecting presence of our loving father. Christians cower in fear rather than stand with their confidence in God.

Now Personalize It: Take It To Heart

What are you afraid of? What is it that is keeping you from turning your heart over to God? What fear or anxiety is keeping you from making things right? Are you allowing fear to cripple your effectiveness in your service for God?

Remember that David faced a giant before God made him a king!


Nick