Devotions by Christine Caine

Read 2 Timothy 1:7

God has not given us a spirit of fear. Instead He has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

Landing Safely

On a recent flight from Chicago to North Carolina, the captain informed us that the landing gear was malfunctioning, and we would have to return to Chicago prepared for a difficult landing. As the captain announced our approach back at O’Hare Airport and instructed us in how to prepare, I watched the people around me brace themselves for the worst. They held onto the armrests of their seats, or the hand or arm of the person sitting next to them. Many audibly prayed.

I closed my eyes.

My hand in Nick’s, I prayed quietly, silently: Lord, I am ever so grateful you did not let me succumb to my fear of flying, but rather helped me choose to push through that fear. There were times I never thought I would or could get back on a plane, but I so wanted your will and purpose for my life. How many times have I had to choose to get on a flight afraid—and yet every time, you have been with me, comforting me, enabling me, strengthening me. And because of that I have been able to go to so many cities and nations around the world and reach people I would never have otherwise been able to reach.

Greeted by the sound of rubber hitting the tarmac, the passengers erupted in spontaneous applause. As we gradually decelerated down the long runway, we passed awaiting police cars with sirens blasting, as well as fire trucks, ambulances, and ground personnel. Within minutes, the door of the plane was opening, and light was streaming in.

Once my paralyzing fear of flying kept me bound to the island of Australia. But because Jesus calmed my fears, the very thing I once feared has become my vehicle to minister to others in darkness, to go and do likewise.

We live in a dark world. Rain falls. Storms come. Lightning strikes. Our lives can shatter at any moment. The roof can fall in. As long as we live, we will have something to lose—little pieces of ourselves. The people we love, the life choices we cherish—there is always something at risk, something dear. Some cause for fear. We can choose to surrender to that fear and let it rule our lives, or we can surrender all those things we love and fear we will lose to Christ and live fearlessly—undaunted.

Point to Ponder

Have you paid a horrible price to live in fear? Do you see only darkness? That can change. Those who follow Christ have the light. You, too, can know His love, You, too, can have hope. Take that first step toward serving God without fear.