Fake Fear

Recently my great Youth Group kids joined up with some other great Youth Group kids to try out a local high ropes course.  Air stairs, tightropes, trees to scale, a zip line...lots of fun to be had.

The high ropes course that we were at is a part of a Christian camp.  Our facilitator was informative, good with the kids, had a sense of humor, and was able to work in a few messages about faith.

At one point, the kids were standing facing the high ropes course putting on all of their safety gear.  This was their first good look at the course, and you could see some intimidation, uncertainty, and fear creeping into their expressions.  The kids with the most bravado earlier were even vocalizing nerves.

And that was when our facilitator, pointing at the course, said something like this:

"Think it looks scary, huh?  Feeling a little fear thinking about doing this?  I promise you that you are safe.  Your safety gear is safe.  The facilitators working with you will keep you safe.  The equipment on the course is safe.  As a matter of fact, up on the course is the safest place in the entire camp."

"That fear you are feeling- it is fake.  FAKE!  It is not real, and it is not of God. 

You are safe, and you can do this."

Wow.  What a message.  Can you hear the truth in there that has nothing to do with dangling 30 feet above the ground?  As Christians, we are not called to live a life of fear.  Our God says to us, "See that great big world?  It is full of twists and turns and changes and challenges.  I know that there will be times when you look at it and you will be tempted to fear.  Remember, it is big, but I am bigger.  That fear is FAKE. You are safe.  My Word, My Church, My Sacraments, My people will keep you safe.  I will never leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear.  Choose instead to love."

Reminds me of this song:

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..." ~1 John 4:18