I stood in line earlier this week at the security checkpoint of Baltimore-Washington International, looking down at my watch, certain that I would miss my flight to Atlanta. Security was on high alert following the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris and subsequent threats to my homeland. Lines were moving extremely slowly.
My concern about missing the flight was actually welcome. It made my thoughts veer from fears that tried to take over my heart. Mostly, the fear of flying – an old unwelcome guest every time I have had to hop on a plane since 1997. It’s silly, I know. After all, according to statistics collected from 1993 to 2012 by PlaneCrashInfo.com, the probability of being killed on a major airline plane crash is 1 in 4.7 million. Even if you’re flying on one of the airlines with the worst safety records, your odds are still 1 in 2 million.
But the fact that I was once a passenger on an airplane that lost an engine after takeoff 18 years ago, coupled with my brother-in-law’s tragic death when his twin engine crashed in 2012, seems to overcome every data and any rationale. Indeed, fear is a most powerful emotion. It’s often senseless, and yet it has the potential to cripple the strongest, most rational human being. Its powerful tentacles can paralyze us and test our faith. When we give into fear, not only do we miss great opportunities in life, but we allow our emotions to dim our trust in God.
The terror attacks in Paris sent a wave of fear and conflicting emotions throughout the globe. Hate, revenge and hopelessness have permeated the airwaves and social media, while people of all walks of life and faiths debate the Syrian refugee crisis and how to fight ISIS, a cancer that seems to be quickly spreading its death to the West.
While our family discussed the threats of terror in the homeland one night last week, our younger daughter started covering her ears. “I don’t like to hear these things, Mommy,” she said. I had to remind her that the most repeated sentence in the Bible is “Do not fear. I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” And yet, I preach to myself, I know. Because fear is real when danger is imminent, even if you know all the right verses and statistics are on your side. But we must strive not to let it rotten our heart to the point of paralyzing our lives and changing us from people who pray and trust, to people who fear and tremble at the sight of danger. And yes, we must not be afraid to defend our freedom, not out of fear or hate, but because our freedom is a most precious gift, granted to us by almighty God and defended through the years with the blood of our brave soldiers.
Whether it pertains to worldwide terror or personal anxieties, when fear threatens to paralyze us, we must deliberately press on, lest we miss life’s greatest joys. I am certainly glad that I chose to get on that plane and overcome my fears once again. I was able to enjoy precious time with my best friend of 31 years and come home safely for Thanksgiving. I refuse to plant my feet on seemingly safe ground while giving in to threats of evil men, or to the lies that try to invade my heart. I choose to keep on trusting God, overpowering my fears by the power of his word and his eternal promise: even if the worst come, I’m never alone.
Patricia Holbrook is a Christian author and national conference speaker. Her first book, “Twelve Inches: Bridging the
Gap Between What You Know About God and How You Feel,” is now available on Kindle, and paperback at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon and other retailers. Visit her blog to read her devotionals at www.soaringwithhim.com or email her atpholbrook@soaringwithhim.com .
Patricia, your daughter’s wisdom says it all! Aren’t children wise sometimes! God will never leave or forsake us ! But I can relate to the fear that takes hold–you have good reason to feel fear losing 2 people from flying!–yet all the more our fear calls us to trust, deepen faith, draw close to God! Thank you for your post! Visiting from #testimonytuesday today .. I have some fears I need to release!
So glad you visited! Thank you for your encouragement! Blessings,
Patricia, Thank you for this! Especially this: “And yet, I preach to myself, I know. Because fear is real when danger is imminent, even if you know all the right verses and statistics are on your side.” I can so relate to working through fears with my own daughter, which I need to hear the answer to myself. Really appreciate this post and the wisdom you’ve shared here today. #RaRaLinkup
So glad you visited, Angela! May our God give you a fearless spirit!
Patricia, Thank you for sharing this. Fear can be so paralyzing, yet if we can look beyond our fear and go ahead and do, the rewards are great. I’ve learned to do things afraid or not. Did I feel fear it starting my blog? Yes. However, it is reaching and blessing others–focusing on Jesus–it also has brought new friends into my life.
Blessings!
Thank you, Kim! God bless you!
Hi Patricia,
Thank you for your inspirational message. Fear comes in everyday activities. Just focusing on God’s word is a great way to keep moving forward. Your scripture reference is great!
God Bless You and Your Ministry!
Your friend!
Lynette
Thank you, Lynette!! Blessings,
Fear is a crippling emotion, that’s for sure, Patricia. You are so right when you say we must press on, trusting in our God who keeps His promise to ever be with us.
Glad you made it home in time for Thanksgiving, too! 🙂
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha!! God bless you,
Patricia, you speak wisdom here. It’s truly a God-incidence to stumble on your blog today and find these needful words: “when fear threatens to paralyze us, we must deliberately press on, lest we miss life’s greatest joys.” Amen! I woke in a state of unreasonable anxiety and fear this morning and it took me some time to calm enough for God’s words of peace to permeate my heart. Your words here are a great reminder to press past the frightened feelings and when fear knocks at the door of my heart to let faith answer it instead. Bless you! Grateful to be your neighbour at #coffeeforyourheart 🙂
I’m so grateful this article spoke to your heart. God’s timing is perfect! Thank you for stopping by! Come back often 🙂
I love the verse in the Bible that says, “Perfect love drive out fear.” (1 John 4:18). That’s the promise I cling to every time I feel the fear a’creeping.