Christian Fun Day

Today I went to Christian Fun Day at Frontier City. Frontier City is a theme park that is western themed and kind'a fun, especially when you're with a whole bunch of your crazy friends. I wanted to ride this roller-coaster called "the Silver Bullet", but my friend was too scared.

"But God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."

-2 Timothy 1:7

I used this verse to try and get my friend to go, but she wouldn't budge. I've been in that position of fear before, and seeing her stuck in the same rut that kept me down broke my heart. Thus, today's topic begins.

Fear is a harmful and helpful force that keeps us bound and keeps us safe. Fear of certain things is understandable, but being overly afraid is just not okay. Fear is a tool Satan uses to bind us and keep us right where he wants us. It can be over something as petty as not getting on a roller-coaster or as serious as not witnessing to a friend in need. Satan binds us with fear, using a lock we have the key to. The key is the name of Jesus. We can break the bonds of fear, but we don't and Satan laughs at our stupid and naive choice.

I know how hard it is to make the choice of leaving that fear. Fear can make us feel safe and secure, but it's really just holding us back from what we could be getting if we release the fear. Like helping a lost soul reach those pearly gates or getting a smile on your face as you dare to take on the big roller-coaster.

"What can man do to me?" is one of my favorite questions from the bible and I still don't know where it's found (some witness I am, huh?!). That's so true too! If we, as christians, die, we go to an eternal paradise! If we are persecuted, the persecutor is judged by God, so long as we do nothing back. Nothing can keep us down for long, so why fear?

"The Lord is the stronghold of my life / Whom shall I fear? / Whom shall I fear?"

This a line from a song by Andre Gonzalez, the words really touch me. It goes on to say that he will brave to do things for God that many Christians consider "scary" or "uncool". It also described, in the first verse, how God found Andre and His promise to keep him safe. This promise is given to us too. We are constantly under the eye of our loving and gracious Heavenly Father.

"He will never leave you nor forsake you"

Another verse from the Bible that I've heard all my life and can't give the reference for. Still, I know It's true. I've seen this verse play out in my life and the lives of others. God loves and the Bible says that He "... cares for even sparrow..." so, "... how much more does the Father love us?"

I understand if you have certain fears, I have had them too, and I have many more to face and conquer as well. But when I meet a new fear I remember the words of a Dennis Jernigan song from the '90s:

"What time I am afraid / I will trust in thee."