“According to psychologists, we’re born with only two fears — the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Every other fear is learned, which means every other fear can be unlearned. Faith is the process of unlearning fear.”- Mark Batterson
And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD.”- Exodus 14:13 (ESV)
On Day 12 of Do It for a Day, Mark Batterson talks about another aspect of kissing the wave. That aspect- facing your fear and doing it scared. As Carl Jung once said, “Find out what a person fears most, and that is where he will develop next.”
Therefore, your reaction to a situation makes or breaks you. However, as a friend of Mark’s who trained marines for many years told him, “You don’t rise to the occasion; you resort to the level of your training.”
Consequently, when all else fails, you must know your name. Above all, Pastor Batterson counsels, you need to know Jesus’ name when all hell breaks loose. Because only then are you ready to kiss the wave. As Mark explains:
“Kissing the wave is not running away from what you’re afraid of. It’s wading into those waters, like Nashon. It takes courage to kiss the wave, but that’s how you surf the wave of suffering. You don’t have to like it, but you do have to learn from it.”
In conclusion, Pastor Batterson exhorts, don’t allow closed doors to discourage you. Because closed doors often have a domino effect. And one day you’ll thank God as much for closed doors as open doors.
For many times, from our point of view, the right time often feels like the wrong time, And the right place feels like the wrong place. But that’s when you must kiss the wave, even though it scares you. So, trust God’s will, way, and timing. Finally, Mark adds:
“When you find yourself in crisis situations . . . drop anchor. This too shall pass. And even if it doesn’t get easier, you will get stronger. Do it scared!”
Today’s question: What Bible verses facilitate the process of unlearning fear? Please share.
Coming Monday: the March Short Meditation, “The test of compassion is in the and”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Problems to solve, tensions to manage”
