"Courage is fear...

...that has said its prayers." ---Karl Barth

I find it interesting that not only are we as believers not a people of fear, but God specifically tells us fear isn’t one of our defining characteristic: "For God has not given us the spirit of fear [timidity]; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7). We serve the God of the universe Who holds each and every breath of ours in His very hands, while at the same time guiding nations, calming seas, healing sickness, and blessing us. God calls us to faithful living in the midst of uncertainty. He commands us to step out in faith and follow Him, even when what He's asking seems strange, frightening, uncomfortable, or mysterious. Sometimes we have to take that first step despite the nagging concerns and ever-creeping fears that threaten to close in on us. Why? Because God does not ask us to sit back and let life pass by --- He tells us to ask for wisdom (which is knowledge and courage combined!) and then act. The attitude of "Let go and let God" in that sense then doesn't work. God has given us intelligence, capable bodies, and placed His Spirit within us ---- to live, love, laugh, learn, and long for Him. We are on a journey in this life, a journey that requires discipline, commitment, and confidence...in Christ alone. There's nothing to hold us back except fear -- and fear will only hold us back when we hold onto it. So, bathe your fears in prayer and keep pressing on...your goal, your prize is waiting -- that blessed upward call!