Towering Fears

Read: Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 41:10, 13

“Mr. Robinson asked me to give my testimony at our youth group meeting Sunday night,” Olivia 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, Olivia 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, Olivia and her mother began climbing.

The higher they climbed, the scarier it seemed, but Olivia could feel her mom’s presence right behind her. And when they finally reached the top, Olivia 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 Olivia.

“Was it worth being scared?” Mom asked.

“It sure was,” said Olivia. “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 Olivia.

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

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

“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 help you speak about Jesus and how He’s changed your life. Even if you mess up, He’ll be there to support you and use what you say to bless others.”

Olivia hesitated, then nodded. “Okay,” she said. “Even though it’s scary, I’ll trust God to 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? If you feel afraid, remember that God will be with you and help you. He is working in your life so that you can point others to Jesus and help them know He loves them and gave His life to save them. Trust Him to help you serve Him and share His love with others in spite of your fear.

Today's Key Verse: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT) 2 Timothy 1:7

Today's Key Thought: Don’t be afraid to serve God