5fce2c1b40bb49c0850ff0522fa88f29Now I have to be honest. It’s easy to get overcome by the troubles in life. We get stressed about the things life throws our way. As a matter of fact, I’m writing this devotion just days before my family goes on a vacation, on a cruise. And to be completely transparent, I’m scared. No – I never was held under water as a child. I have no reason at all why I should be afraid. It’s a completely irrational fear. I’m afraid of not being in control. I’m afraid of something happening that I can’t anticipate. In short I just simply am having a hard time getting the courage to step onto that boat. But I know that I have to do it. 

Some of us treat our Christian lives like I’m seeing this boat. It’s a nearly insurmountable fear. We’re afraid of what life may throw at us. We’re afraid of someone asking us why we believe. We’re fearful of the questions we just don’t have answers to. But there’s comfort in this fear. There’s power in the faith we possess. It’s not like we’re believing in someone we don’t know. Actually we know a lot about this God in whom we put our trust. He’s never let us down before. He’s always there. Sure things may have happened that we didn’t really like. Sure life’s been hard at times but not once can you prove to me that he’s left you alone to deal with it by yourself.

Sometimes we just have to get on the boat. Sometimes we just have to get past the fear and really trust that someone knows better than we do. By the time this post goes live, I’ll be on a boat. Fearful or not, I’ll be there. But one thing I can tell you for certain, fear is nothing when you know that you will come out on the winning side. When you know that someone has already conquered those things you’re afraid of – life is so much easier. Jesus conquered the powers of this world and promises not just to be near you but to live in you. The very power that caused all things to happen. The same power that created the world and set its boundaries is alive, not just in the world…but inside of you. You are a conqueror. You have the power to overcome all things in this life because of the Spirit of God at work within you.

God promises throughout the bible to join himself to those who believe in him. He promises that where we go, he is inside of us. We come vessels, carriers, transporters of the power of God where we live, work, and play. You are the presence of Christ in your home, workplace, and all the places you go to have fun. You possess God’s power. Live a life without fear. Know that in Christ, you have already overcome.

I’ll get on that boat. And I’ll return. But more certain than that, I’ll carry his presence with me wherever he calls me to go.