Spiritual StaminaSample

Facing Fear at the Wall

Life is full of distractions that hinder our spiritual development, and for many of us, one of these distractions is fear. Like marathon runners who hit a wall, we let fear stop us in our tracks. It’s overwhelming and often feels out of our control. When we sense danger, either real or perceived, our psyches and bodies can become paralyzed by fear.

How do we push through when fear overtakes us? What does it look like to have the spiritual stamina that overshadows fear?

In Mark 4, we see Jesus’ disciples experiencing overwhelming fear. A fierce storm unexpectedly swells up around their small boat while crossing the Sea of Galilee. As fishermen, the disciples are accustomed to these sudden storms, but with this one being especially violent, they fear for their lives.

Jesus, with them on the boat, is sleeping on a cushion while the storm rages. Waking him up, the disciples accuse him of not caring that they are in a life-threatening situation. Don’t you care if we drown?

Jesus gets up, commands the storm to be still, then questions his friends. Why are you so afraid? Jesus is the picture of calm and cool here. The wind and waves that he created are no match for him!

How many times do the storms of life sneak up on us when we assumed it would be smooth sailing? Maintaining stamina in the face of fear starts with believing that Jesus is not taken off-guard by the dangers we face. More than that, he cares about what we’re going through and holds power to silence every storm.

Reflection: What situation quickens my heart rate and weighs heavy on my chest? When fear overtakes me, am I quick to assume that God doesn’t care about what I’m going through?

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being right next to me in my scariest moments. When fear creeps in, help me trust that nothing is beyond your control. I believe that you care about my situation, you are stronger than any danger I may face, and that you will strengthen me to ride out the storm.