Birchwood Community Church

Are you an adrenaline junkie or normal like most people? I definitely fit the 'normal' category and any elevation in adrenaline levels is usually an uncomfortable feeling. I don't like being scared and although the odd fairground ride is tolerated with my daughters (a fatherly responsibility), i'd rather keep the 'fear and flight' hormone at bay and within my comfort zone. What tends to scare people, in most circumstances, is the fear of the unknown; what's around the corner? If we can see what's heading our way, then we can move aside. If we can see around corners, we can decide to step forward or not. It's a post childhood emotion that, if we are honest, we all have to some degree. The fear of the unknown; i could do without that. As Christians we are on occasions placed into situations where we find ourselves somewhat scared, not knowing what is ahead of us. Is God really asking me (or us) to do this huge task, to step out of my (or our) comfort zone and into the unknown. As a church, going through the changes we are presently, most of us would agree that it is kind of 'scary'. Our minds begin to question the logic of doing something that at best seems extremely adventurous, if not impossible. There are many reasons to be scared. The apostle Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk towards Jesus; his faith overcoming all his fears and the impossible became possible. We too have, as a church and individually, stepped out of the boat and God has honoured that faithfulness and there has been so much encouragement. As Peter took his eyes of Jesus and started to look around at the choppy waters of the sea, he began to consider the logic of what he was doing and the fear of drowning became his primary concern; he began to sink. We too may, as a church or as individuals, be placed in similar circumstances when fear begins to overwhelm us. But consider this; God keeps His promises and is faithful and even when we begin to fail, just as Peter did, God will reach down and pull us up just as He did with Peter. If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and let our faith overcome our fears, then there is little to be scared of. Let's keep that in mind as we move into unfamiliar territory to fulfill God's purposes in our community. Still scared? Maybe a little!