I'll Ride the Roller Coaster, but Not Right Now

My nine-year-old grandson wanted to ride the new "Steel Hawg" roller coaster when we went to the Indiana Beach amusement park this summer. The Steel Hawg twists and turns upside down and in spirals, smooth steel ride, quite impressive and intimidating. Observing the Steel Hawg from the ground, I was sure the riders are going to get their heads knocked off as the cars passed under the adjacent tracks.

On our first stroll by, we offered to wait for our grandson to ride with his older sister and friends. He replied that he'd ride it before we left, but not right now. He thought he'd ride a different roller coaster first, maybe something less intense. Same story all day, until it was time to go and he was upset because he hadn't ridden any roller coasters at all.

The next morning, I gently teased him by asking if he was going to be brave enough to ride a roller coaster next summer. He grinned and said, "We just have to face our fears, don't we, Grandma?" I laughed and agreed. He told us that he was afraid of heights, something we weren't aware of, and I assured him that many people shared that fear.

How often do we miss our chance to fulfill our desires by not facing our fears? How many thrilling moments have we lost because we told ourselves we'd deal with our fear later? God does not intend for us to lead timid lives! We must step up in faith boldly to face whatever fears are holding us back from a rewarding life that honors Him and brings unlimited blessings.

Fears of darkness, falling, abandonment, death, intimacy, rejection and failure are common to every man. Dealing with our fears becomes difficult when we allow ourselves to believe that we aren't worthy, that we aren't capable, and that moving out of our comfort zone is just too risky. Satan rejoices when we give into his attempts to convince us that taking risks isn't worth the effort; that we're better off staying in the same old rut where things are safe and comfortable.

Are you unwilling to accept a promotion at your job because you doubt your own skills and are afraid you won't live up to your employer's expectations? Hesitant to speak up for what is right because you'll have to defend your position? Do you allow loved ones to take advantage of you because you're afraid they'll stop loving you if you don't do everything they ask? Whatever our issues are, we only make gains when we are bold enough to go forward in faith that we will succeed.

Of course, we don't always get what we want. Our Father knows that what we desire isn't always in our best interests. We may indulge in careless risk-taking without asking His advice, and then blame Him when things don't work out the way we had hoped and planned.

When we follow His will for our lives, asking for his guidance, we have nothing to fear. Through Him, we have the power to overcome the world and defeat our enemies. An abundant life is ours when we know that we are His children and that Satan has no claim to us!

Throughout the Bible, God promises us freedom from fear:

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV

"But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." Proverbs 1:33 NIV

"Peace I live with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John14:27 NIV

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2 NIV

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6 NIV

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:26 NIV