Towering Fears

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 41:10, 13

“Mr. Robinson asked me to give my testimony at our youth meeting Sunday night,” Rachel told her mother as they walked along a path in the woods. “I’m going to tell him I just can’t do it! I’m too scared!” She pointed toward a nearby hill. “There’s the old fire lookout tower, Mom. Looks like somebody’s on duty there today. Do you think they’ll let us climb it? I’ve never done that.”

“Let’s check it out,” said Mom.

When they walked over to the tower, Rachel hesitated. “I don’t know,” she said as she looked up at flight after flight of stairs leading to the top of the tower. “It looks scary! I don’t really like being up so high.”

“I’ll be behind you to make sure you don’t fall,” Mom assured her, so after they got permission, Rachel and her mother began climbing.

The higher they climbed, the scarier it seemed, but Rachel could feel her mom’s presence right behind her. She knew Mom would be there if she needed help. And when they finally reached the top, Rachel was amazed as she looked out over the forest. Brilliant colors from the setting sun clung to clouds on the horizon. It made a spectacular canopy over the trees and hills below. “Wow, this is awesome!” said Rachel.

“Was it worth being scared?” Mom asked.

“It sure was,” said Rachel. “Besides, even though I was scared, I knew you were with me.”

“You know,” said Mom, “if you let fear keep you from giving your testimony, you might miss something as awesome as this view.”

“What do you mean?” asked Rachel.

“It’s awesome to see what God does when we share our lives with others,” replied Mom.

“But what if I get so scared I can’t even talk?” asked Rachel.

Mom smiled. “I’m not saying you’ll breeze right through it, but just like I was with you and ready to help you on these stairs, God will be with you and ready to help you speak. Even if you mess up, He’ll be there to support you and use what you say to bless others. You can do it.”

Rachel hesitated, then nodded. “You’re right,” she said. “God will help me.”

– Katherine R. Adams

How About You?

Is there something you believe God wants you to do? Someone you should reach out to or talk to about Jesus? Ask yourself why you’re scared. Do you have a fear of talking to new people? Do you forget that God is with you and will help you? Depend on Him and trust Him to help you as you obey Him in spite of your fear.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t be afraid to serve God