All Things NewSample

The Wisdom of Fear

I sense an aversion to fear in American Christendom. Do you feel it? The theology goes like this: “Perfect love drives out fear. I, therefore, prove my disobedience to God by my fearing. Because of this, I will avoid the temptation to fear by avoiding risk itself (even God-glorifying risk).” Among other problems with this thinking is that by avoiding all risk, we miss opportunities to grow and mature in Christ.

Make no mistake, growth never comes without risk, and risk rarely comes without fear. Fear is merely one aspect of the journey we make on the road toward faithfulness. “Fear not” usually has to pass first through “I’m afraid!” before it is fully transformed by faith, and Peter was no stranger to this process.

I’ve come to realize, in fact, that the only kind of fear that disqualifies us from God’s helping presence is the kind that refuses to ask for it in the first place (Heb. 11:6).

That’s why I value the phrase used by Isaiah, “…do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread.But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear…” (Is. 8:12-13). It reminds me that, indeed, there will be fear in this life. It’s the uniqueness of what I fear, and what I do with that fear that separates me from the rest of the world.

I think Peter’s true and greatest fear, more than that of wind and wave, was to miss out on something Jesus may have had in mind for him. Note that this Bible story starts and finishes with a conversation between Jesus and his disciples. The walking on water bit merely provides the cool special effects in the middle. Jesus’ powerful and saving presence among his disciples is the real treasure here. Let nothing separate you from that.

Peter put himself into a position to have to trust God, unintentionally making his fear a tool to advance (albeit awkwardly) his beautifully clumsy conversation with Jesus. May we follow in his footsteps.

Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Reflections:

· What fears or hurts are hindering you from conversing honestly with Jesus today?

· When was the last time you spoke with God about a far-fetched dream you’ve had?

· What failures or setbacks haunt you? Let them drive you out onto the water with Jesus in prayer today.