Live Without Fear
We had driven over 100 miles- the last 60 of it washboard gravel. From there, we shouldered heavy packs and walked at a pace so frantic that at times we were 'shuffling' (an 'almost jog') to add speed. We were hiking along the edge of a glacier and had to be careful not to turn an ankle on the loose, rocky ground. We were after Mountain Goats, but without flying the country we honestly had no idea if any goats even lived on the mountain at the head of the glacier. On top of that, this was Friday evening and we had to be home by Sunday night. No pressure, right?
We made it about 10 miles before setting up camp as darkness was settling in. We estimated that we were still several miles from the foot of the mountain, so we decided to build a small fire and make our dinner. As we sat talking quietly and drinking a cup of coffee, a large black bear ambled out 20 yards from us and began stripping berries off the bushes. We had already agreed that we would not shoot a bear on the way IN because that would end our goat hunt. As the bear drew closer I just looked at my friend and said, "George, if my wife was here, we'd have to go home now." The reason that we were unconcerned is that we had two loaded rifles within arms reach. Because we were properly equipped, we had no fear.
The same thing is true spiritually. Those who walk closely with Christ- those who live in union with him- are truly not afraid of anything that life brings their way. Why? Because as the Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:8, "...to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." The reality is this: the worst day for the world (death) is the BEST day for followers of Christ.
Friends, don't allow the devil to deceive you- don't allow him to trap you in a place of stress, worry and fear. Those chains have already been broken! You've already been set free! Live without fear, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Different bear, different day.
Written on May 29, 2026
Posted in Daily Devotions