Extreme Challenge

On the first day of the Christian Writer’s Conference, I woke up anxious and nervous. I felt like I was at an amusement park, about to get on the scariest ride. Years ago I wouldn’t have ridden on thrill rides, but some where along the way I learned that in order to conquer my fears I needed to face them, and I began riding. Terrified, I’d close my eyes, grip the safety bar, and scream at the top of my lungs! From the experience, I learned that it only lasts a short time, I can trust the safety mechanisms, and there is joy in the power to overcome scary situations.

My hands were shaking and there was a bundle of knots in my stomach. I was about to embark on an extreme challenge. Feeling nauseated, I got up and went outside in the cool mountain air, sat by the rushing river and wrote to God based on the following Scriptures that He gave me.

Philippians 4: 6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 139: 23-24 Search me O God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.

O Great God of Peace~
Humbly I come to You admitting my anxiety and fear. Finally, it’s my turn to face the extreme challenge! My stomach is bound by a bundle of knots! By faith, I’ll step out, buckle up to You, and grasp Your Word with all my might. With my adrenalin pumping, I’ll deeply inhale Your sensational power in preparation for the dreadful drop of uncertainty ahead.

Together, we’ll wind through the nauseating twists and turns of trials and tribulations. In the dark tunnel of distress, I’ll scream out, tantalized by terror! You’ll hear the cry of my heart and bring me into the radiant light of Your presence. Suddenly, I’ll see and know that You were always right there beside me; holding me. The safety mechanisms of faith guarded me from danger.

Although I was scared to death, I’ll gladly go again for the sheer thrill of experiencing the joy of Your unexplainable power and peace. Confident of Your almighty protection, I’ll turn my problems to praise, my agony to adoration, and my worry to worship. You didn’t bring me this far to let me fall. I believe that You have a plan bigger than I can imagine around the next sharp bend. Please dear Lord, give me courage to face scary situations fearlessly trusting in the power of Your Almighty name. Amen.

What extreme challenge is God asking you to take? Don’t be afraid to step out, buckle up to Him and grasp His Word with all your might. Under His protection, you will experience the sensation of His peace and He will bless you with sheer joy as you experience His power!