Face Your Fears

Daniel was a great man in the Bible who had powerful faith in God. By the time he reached old age, he had many experiences in trusting God. Yet when he was approached by “a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. His face was like lightening, his eyes like flaming torches…..and his voice like the sound of a multitude,” he was terrified. But the man said:

Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. Daniel 10:12

After talking with the man—probably an angel—Daniel was again overcome with anguish (this is a really good story—you might want to go to Daniel, chapter ten in the Old Testament and read it for yourself). And then the angel said:

Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength.’ Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,’ he said.’ Peace! Be strong now; be strong.’ 

Daniel 10:18b

Wow. Even Daniel was afraid.

We’ve been camping at the beach these past couple of days. Nearly a year ago, we came to this very place for a writing retreat and to spend time with Jim’s sister and brother in law. The weekend was interrupted by a fairly simple fall that turned out to be very serious.

One year later, we’re back. We’ve enjoyed taking leisure strolls along the beach. We rode our bikes on meandering roads  throughout the park. Tomorrow, we plan to hike out to Cape Lookout where there are breathtaking views.

This evening, Ron and Rosaleen will join us for the weekend. I’m not superstitious, but I do have some flashes of fear when I take steps up into the RV where my fall took place. I don’t want to repeat that same accident, and most likely I won’t, but that doesn’t chase away the fear completely. Even Jim gives me cautionary comments such as, “Watch your step, honey. Don’t trip.”  We rode our bikes today and Jim followed behind, chiding me to “slow down, be careful.”

I remember reading about an Olympic athlete who was asked, “Aren’t you afraid when you step into that sled and go so fast down the track?”

The athlete responded something like this, “You must face your fear and then do it.” I liked that statement and it means even more to me now that I was set aside for a time because of a major injury. That means I’ve got to face the fear and not be afraid every time I go up stairs, ride my bike, or go for a hike.

Just as Daniel was reminded in the Old Testament to “face his fears”. Jesus’ disciples needed a reminder when after observing many miracles and having personal teaching of Jesus, they saw him walking on water and were afraid.  He calmed their fears with these words:

Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.

Matthew 14:27

The disciples were afraid. I’m sometimes afraid. So was the prophet Daniel and the Olympic athlete.

 

What’s your fear? It doesn’t have to be big. Maybe it’s tripping while walking among rocks.

Or getting back on a bicycle after a long period of time. Perhaps it is fear of growing old. Passing an exam in school. Losing a job. It could be talking to a doctor about some disturbing symptoms you might have. Perhaps your mate has a problem remembering things—you don’t want to face what that might mean in your future. Do you need to step out and face the fear?

This weekend at our campground, there will be a competition between hang gliders. I’m pretty sure they have to face their fears as they jump off the cliff and float/glide to safety. Of course they need to check their harnesses, re-check all of the controls before they jump. But then they need to “face their fears” too.

So for now, I’ll indulge my husband Jim’s fears I’ll fall. I’ll  take hold of the handrail as I step into our little motorhome. I’ll be extra cautious when I get on my bike. And watch my step among rocks and boulders on hikes in the mountains or on the beach. Yet I have to do it. Face my fear. And then move on with courage. Facing the fear is the most difficult.