Conquering Fear

It was all I could do to keep my hyper, hormonally-charged bony teenage bottom seated on the bench. With every rebound, steal or basket we made, I would bound to my feet, clap, wave my arms and hoot and holler.

Our point total soared to 92, 94, and then 96 points. We scored again with less than 30 seconds left in the game and a season-long team goal of scoring 100 points in 24 minutes of play was within reach.

The other team missed. We snagged the rebound, whisked the ball down the court.
And then, it happened.

Thirty five years later and I still shudder in remembering coach Newberry’s words: “Third team; get ready. You are going in.” The knocking of our knees was the only sign of life.
Coach bellowed “timeout,” walked the bench, and individually lifted us by the jersey to reinforce his intent. For five young boys – the prospective fear of failure had made cowards of us all.

Jesus’ disciples could have related. Fear was in their DNA. The sea belches and they wake the Master from His sleep. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Calming the waves, Jesus tugs at their jerseys: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).

In another instance, Jesus scoots atop the water. Once more, the disciples quake with terror. Jesus says, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (John 6:20).

This time, their response is different. In faith—not fear—they tug at Jesus’ shirt, dragging him into the boat. No longer freaked by the supernatural, truth is in the boat—and “immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were heading” (John 6:21).

If fear can be a monger, faith can be a cure.

If fear has got you in its claws; what leap of faith might God be asking you to take? Is there someone you need to lovingly confront--speaking the truth in love. Is there a situation of some perceived risk that in response to prayer God would have you confidently pursue?

Or is this the day that are to trust in the power of God’s Holy Spirit to communicate the message of Christ to a friend or loved one? Fear not. Take the step of faith and leave the results to Him.

My teammates and I lacked faith. That day, by necessity, we were obedient. We followed a coach who made it clear that our time on the sideline was through. It is time you listen to Jesus—the Master Coach.

We executed the play to perfection—scored the 100th point—and our team burst into celebration. The moment of fame passed so quickly; the lesson of faith—not fear—remains with me today.