Facing Fear

 

Facing Fear

Two young families participated in the sacrament of baptism one bright Sunday morning. Baptisms are joyful and meaningful times for participants, their loved ones, and the entire congregation. They are looked forward to with anticipation.

A baby nestled in the arms of his mother was wide-eyed but quiet, as his parents stood close together awaiting their child’s baptism. The second couple had two sons, the youngest of whom was going to be baptized.

This was a new, strange place for the little boy, Bennett, who at first was bravely standing beside his family. After a few moments, he wanted his mother to hold him and buried his head in her shoulder, while the parents were asked to confirm their faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord, and their commitment to follow Him.

When they approached the baptismal font, he covered his ears with his hands and kept his head down.

“So, Bennett, I can see that you are ready for this wonderful moment,” said the pastor smiling.

With a soft and compassionate voice, he invited Bennett to come closer.

“Your mommy can hold you.”

Then he forewarned the boy about the water in the font. “It’s cold so that you can remember it when you are doing amazing things as an adult.”

Bennett kept his head down during the baptism, and tried to wipe the water from his hair as the four of them went back down the stairs. His mother, who was still holding him, must have had very tired arms! 

While the second family went forward for the baptism of their baby, Bennett’s father took over, providing safe refuge for the boy in his arms. The older boy sat down beside a family member. 

At the completion of the ceremony, the congregation responded in unison with a commitment to proclaim the good news of Jesus, to live according to His example and to surround both families with love, support and prayer. Then the clergy team and the two families walked down the center aisle of the church while we sang a familiar refrain… “I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.”

The hymn, "Borning Cry" (John Carl Ylvisaker, 1985) creates the image of Christ’s presence with His children throughout their lives. Certainly, little Bennett didn’t have anything to fear, being surrounded by people who loved him.

During their walk, he began pulling his dad’s nose and even smiling a bit! By the time they had turned around and were once more standing at the front of the church, he was alert, upright in his dad’s arms, and even held out his hand to receive a gift bag from the Children’s Ministry Director.

With applause from the entire congregation, a kiss from mommy and hugs from daddy, all ended well for little Bennett. Of course, his life is just beginning. It will continue to unfold and expand, with a strong foundation built on faith in Christ. 

One day when the time is right, Bennett will have to make the choice to accept Jesus into his heart and to follow Him, just as we all do. If fears, feelings of guilt or self-condemnation, or other obstacles stand in the way, hopefully they will be overshadowed by Bennett’s heart-knowledge of God’s love and faithfulness.

Although imagination is necessary for creativity, it easily seizes upon fear. Once I was told that by imagining the worst, I was preparing myself for when it happens! That did not allay my fears. In fact, it was easy to become a captive to them.  

Faith involves trusting in God and surrendering our lives into His hands. Only faith can overcome fear! As a shepherd cares for his sheep, so God cares for us. His children have nothing to fear. Absolutely nothing!

 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Psalm 23:4 NIV

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him, we cry ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:14-15 NIV

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 NIV