It’s a chance for me to unwind, enjoy live music, not so healthy fair food and simply act like a big kid I am. Playing the games and riding the rides at the festival remind me how simple life can be when we simply cast our cares on God (1 Peter 5:7).
However, this year was much different for me. My summer had left me feeling pretty disappointed and broken. Before I even topped off my gas tank for the trip, doubt and fear had took my mind captive.
I became anxious about my finances, relationships and the dreaded ride back through downtown Atlanta at night. fear was stealing the joy before I even began my adventure. It’s a hard truth, the Christian life can be pretty scary. And that is what this special Halloween blog will focus on.
Fear?
Webster’s states fear is simply being afraid of something or someone, to worry about or expect something bad. Because of sin we feel the disconnect from God in our souls and we naturally worry.
But, that was never God’s intentions in the beginning. His plan was and is to be with us always. Yet, worry and fear constantly cripple us. No Christian is immune to them; they are part of life in a fallen world. The nation of Israel experienced this many times and so did the early church.
That is why Scripture contains 365 passages telling us to don’t fear the storms of life. My favorite story is of the three Jewish boys (Daniel 3:16-18). Sometimes we scare ourselves and sometimes were scared of God. On any given day something or someone can scare you.
It can be scary when our lives begin to change. Sometimes it’s even scarier when God asks us to change or give up something for Him, we Christians often are afraid of what we are missing out on in life. Although it’s hard it’s important for Christians to be vulnerable and to share our stories of trials. This is another reason why I make my annual trip to the festival, to hear what God is doing in the lives of others and find encouragement.
After my drive up, I was greatly encouraged when the first act I heard shared her testimony about how God brought her drug addict father back into her life after he walked away for ten years.
Later, I cried as I listened to a band share how their keyboardist’s son died three days after he was born. Yet, with all the heartbreaking stories being told, I was greatly encouraged by the strength of their faith. Faith is our lifeline to God. Faith says no matter how bad things look, I still believe God is with me.
Faith?
The Bible tells us that faith is being confident in what we do not see, but hope for (Hebrews 11:1). This scripture holds more weight for me since I’m legally blind. That is why I’m not a fan of driving at night, whether it’s 10 miles or 10,000 miles! Not to mention my other health issues that leave me stressed out.
Ever since my accident back in 1997, it is been my faith that’s gotten me through the hard times when there was no hope. Like when the doctors told me I would never walk again. I remember crying out to God for help in my recovery.
Whoever said the Christian faith is for the weak didn’t know what they’re talking about. Faith is about having the courage to face our fears, especially when we're much afraid. It’s our faith that gives us strength to get up when life knocks us down and all hope is gone.
With everything dangerous going on in the world, we all need some faith. Terrorism has the whole world on the edge. Mother Nature is freaking out and various diseases and viruses plague Third World countries and even here stateside. Who has time to worry about a zombie apocalypse?
Recently, in the Southeast where I live, there was a gas shortage due to a ruptured oil line in Alabama. People panicked and there is a frenzy at the gas stations for fear they would run out. In my heart I knew that everything would be okay because my faith tells me Jesus has overcome the world and I can fear not.