From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
I came across a good quote about courage from poet, Elisabeth Elliot.
Here is what she said: “Sometimes fear does not subside, and one must choose to do it afraid.”
I learned this lesson many years ago when my youngest son, Michael, was very young.
The travelling carnival was in town and had set up shop in a parking lot adjacent to my house.
Michael had spotted the Ferris Wheel and started pestering me to take him for a ride on it.
One problem: sitting in a small basket, swinging high above the ground multiple times, brought fear into my heart.
Michael would not be deterred, however, so off to the carnival we went.
It was then that I just offered up a simple prayer: “Lord, help me do it afraid!”
I was reminded of a key verse in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
If you had seen me on the ride that day you would have seen a dad with his son enjoying a ride on the Ferris Wheel.
That was the look on the outside.
On the inside I was clinging to the promises of God to get me through for Michael’s sake.
I made it, of course, but that wasn’t the biggest victory for me.
Something broke that day as I chose to take that step of faith.
I no longer cringe when asked to go on the Ferris Wheel.
Fear has a paralyzing effect and can keep us from enjoying those moments in life where memories are made.
If you struggle with fear, whatever that struggle may be, pray and ask the Lord to help you overcome your fear.
However, one of those ways He may help you to overcome your fear is to have you “do it afraid.”
Go ahead, make that move!
