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This past summer, I was privileged to summit New Mexico's tallest mountain, Wheeler's Peak. It was a strenuous hike to over thirteen thousand feet with many opportunities to fall to my death. As I age, narrow ledges and three-hundred-foot cliffs terrify me more and more. All fear, however, is not bad! I implemented healthy fear, which stopped me from carelessly walking off a cliff or taking unnecessary risks. In comparison, unhealthy fear is like a poison that obstructs faith and is the death of many great things. Without a healthy fear of heights, I wouldn't be here right now.
On Mount Carmel, the great prophet Elijah had a front-row seat as God hurled fire down from heaven. How cool is that! God's omnipotence was on display as He eradicated all of the prophets of Baal. God also directed the rains at the word of His man, Elijah (1 Kings 18:20-46). Yet, these miracles were not enough to sustain Elijah's faith. He quickly forgot the essence of God's character and became depressed. Unhealthy fear converted a conquering victor into a cowering victim. What could take Elijah from the mountaintop of all victories to the bowels of depression? One would think it would have taken much more to rattle Elijah's cage, but a seemingly trivial threat from Jezebel did the trick (1 Kings 19:2). The Scriptures read: "Then Elijah was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life" (1 Kings 19:3).
I have heard it said that unhealthy fear is "False-Evidence-Appearing-Real." Elijah's faith faltered because he believed the word (false evidence) of Jezebel over the word (truth) of God. "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Didn't Elijah understand that no one can oppose the Lord and defeat Him? It is easy for us to criticize Elijah and recognize how quickly he forgot that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and completes every task He chooses. But how often do we allow unhealthy fear to guide our lives rather than choosing to cling to the promises of God? As the old hymn says, "Standing on the promises, I cannot fall, listening every moment to the Spirit's call, resting in my Savior as my all in all. Standing on the promises of God!"
Lord, help me remember that you are in control and my life is in your hands. I choose to trust you today fully! I have faith that you will provide all of my needs (Philippians 4:19). I know that you are with me and hold me up (Isaiah 41:10). Thank you for working a perfect plan for my life (Romans 8:28).
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