As a young child in the 1970’s, I don’t remember locking our doors at night or having many restrictions about riding my bike with my friends all over town. It seemed like every Saturday, after my favorite cartoons were over, I would head outdoors and play with my friends until dinner. Then, if the weather was nice, we would meet again and play until it was dark and all the moms would call us in for baths and bedtime.
I recall the many adventures we had riding bikes to the five and dime stores, going fishing at a local pond, or building ramps with cinder blocks and a scrap piece of wood and jumping our bikes like Evel Knievel. He was known as a “daredevil” back in the day because of all the amazing and daring stunts he would perform on a motorcycle. If you were a boy with a bike, you imagined you could jump over a long line of cars or through a ring of fire or even ride a rocket over the Grand Canyon! Today, we call those folks adrenaline junkies.
I know we were not attempting anything close to his level of risk, but to us, we were fearless. I remember we would psych ourselves up with the words “No Fear” coursing through our minds and shouting from our lips!
But times change. We all grow up and begin to face new challenges, obstacles and the unknown. I think this idea has been made most apparent to us in what we have been dealing with over the past several weeks. Though times may change, God does not. He is always in control.
Read the following passages and remind yourself of who is in control and how we as God’s children should respond in times of trouble. Let them encourage you to use the words “No Fear” more often as you face the challenges ahead and the uncertainties of life, jobs, and more.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
You know, I don’t remember being fearful about riding bikes all over town because my mom was not fearful. I don’t remember being fearful about the doors being unlocked because my dad had no fear about it. I think the only reason I am not fearful during this time of upheaval and confusion is because my heavenly Father is not fearful, and He has provided me with His Holy Spirit who gives me power, love and self-discipline. I have No Fear because I have Faith in my Father.
I pray that you will take these passages to heart and have confidence in a loving Father who is in complete control of this and every other situation, both now and in the future.
God bless,
Brian Freerksen
Student Pastor