No Fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
2 Timothy 1:7


This morning I received instalment 2 of my brother's holiday blog from the US, describing his visit to the Grand Canyon;


We stepped out onto the Skyway which is a glass walkway which sticks out 70 feet over the canyon's edge and had our picture taken (another $30). Even Mrs K was persuaded to let go of the handrail and lie down on the glass with us, risking a 2500 drop to the Colorado river. There was a section of broken glass just to add a bit of doubt to our English sense of faith in US safety standard. Four rather overweight tourists decided to test the claim of 10,000lb strength by all jumping up and down on one pane of glass at the same time. The guides seems unperturbed but did say that the glass was due to be replaced. We decided not to take that particular challenge to a new level. Seriously though the views were stunning and we will definitely go to visit the South rim next week.


This verse from 2 Timothy had been running around my head for the last few days and it got me thinking about the nature of faith and obedience. Sometimes (maybe oftentimes!) we are asked by the Holy Spirit to do a challenging thing or to quietly trust in a difficult situation. If we are human we are likely to feel fearful, anxious, panicked. But the truth is that we can walk without fear if we choose to trust in Him. It might be an unnerving thing to walk out on to a glass walkway when all you can see is down, but is it reasonable to be afraid when that glass has been expertly manufactured and 100's of 1000's of people have gone before you and lived to tell the tale? Probably not. For me, that is what my faith is; a reasonable tried and tested trust in a God who has spoken truth to me in Jesus, the Bible and the clouds of saints who have gone before me. So far He has not let me down.

Comments

Linda said…
Great post (picture and words) I live in the US and still have never been to the Grand Canyon. I hope to go one day. I love what you wrote about faith and trust in our Lord. Just reminds me that if you keep your eyes on him and don't dwell on the fear (don't look down) you will be able to do whatever He calls you to do.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful places I have been...It has a desolate beauty. It allows you to witness the true handiwork of God. Thank you for sharing. This was wonderful! Cathy
Gudl said…
Hi Mike, great post! So.. you got some snow! Good for you. But back the post. I actually was there when they built the skyway. When we visited the Grand Canyon and I saw it for the first time, I was so moved, I had tears flowing down my face! Because I thought about God's greatness and majesty.
Angie said…
As I was reading his words I thought...NO WAY! I've had that attitude much of my life and have missed out on a great deal because of it. Fear so easily rears its ugly head for me. That verse is a major one in my life. Also goes with my friend's prayer for today.

www.byprayerandsupplication.blogspot.com/2008/10/john-1427.html
Love this verse you've quoted here- especially the part about the SOUND Mind He has given us. The word literally has to do with safe thinking. When I get all in a dither about something, I try to remember to think "safely" and there is no better way to do that than to let Scripture verses go through my mind like a cleansing broom sweeping out the unsafe thoughts of fear and dread.
Steve said…
Interesting comparison with the notion of faith as a expression of the upholding hand of God.
Steve said…
Interesting comparison with the notion of faith as a expression of the upholding hand of God.
Steve said…
Interesting comparison with the notion of faith as a expression of the upholding hand of God.
Steve said…
Don't know why my thought was saved three times. I wonder if this one will be!
Anonymous said…
Wow. The Grand Canyon is something to see. I recall when my parents wanted to stop there on a drive from Colorado to California. But it is not exactly "on the way." So, it was a huge detour. And I was against it. I just didn't think another "rock formation" was worth multiple hours out of our way. When I got there, I was amazed. Truly amazed. I should plan a trip there again soon, since I am so close... Anyway, the skywalk was not there then. Glad your brother was able to visit it.
Anonymous said…
also, the themes of courage and fear have resonated with me. sometimes it seems like fear holds us back.
...hmmm, how to press in, press on and move forward?
Kim S in SC said…
Oh, for the fear ridden, me, this is a verse I often remember! Thank you for this illustration! I love your final words, "For me" That testimony is what we have to give. Thanks for sharing!
Kim

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