This is from a devotional I have, written by Robert Noland:

“Most of us have memories of learning to ride a bike as a kid. Life was so free and easy when the training wheels were bolted on the sides. But when the decision was made to take them off and try to learn to balance, everything changed. Our minds told us there was no possible way we could ever stay upright on those two wheels. The fear and anticipation of a bad spill was always there.

But at the same time, we could see ourselves sailing down the sidewalk, the wind blowing on our faces in a newfound freedom on the bike. So after crashing and crying with a few skinned knees and elbows, faith finally won out over fear. The dream was realized and for the rest of our lives, we know how to ride a bike. We found the balance and faith brought flight.

The great thing about learning to ride a bike during our formative years is that this same scenario plays out over and over in different ways throughout our lives, and most often with much higher stakes. An opportunity emerges and we have to learn how to balance life in a new way. We somehow find the faith to overcome overwhelming fear. When people are depending on us, our decision of whether to push through or give up is critical. Maybe God has called us to something we’ve never done before or never thought we would face. We arrive at a crossroads and the direction we take determines the future – literally.

Fear can quickly overtake the mind when faith has not yet overcome the heart. And one or the other – faith or fear – will end up being the clear winner. The two don’t, and won’t, co-exist. The proverbial deathbed is the final evaluation of the moments in life when faith or fear won out. The victories recalled are from faith and the regrets felt come from when fear ruled the day.

There are amazing moments in our lives when faith rises up, making us feel unstoppable. God is in the house and we know it! But then there are those times when we feel the questions come; the doubts overwhelm, and the what-if’s scream at us. Fear creeps in to say we’re going to make a mistake… again. And then the real question comes: “God, where did You go? Did You leave and that’s why I feel like all the hope just got sucked out of my heart?” We must always remember that God doesn’t move away from us; we move away from Him. We choose fear over faith. We allow doubt to overcome our minds when we have just as much opportunity to let faith overpower our hearts. There is only One who can bring real faith and hope to us and at the same time run fear out of town. His name is Jesus. Whether you’re experiencing debilitating fear or overcoming faith today, running to Him is the best decision you can make.”

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:4-10) FEAR is an illusion we can become wrongly convinced is a reality. FAITH is a reality we can become wrongly convinced is an illusion.

In Christian Brotherhood,
James Bozeman
Texas Division Chaplain