Prison Break
Just got back from Colorado. The Officer’s Christian Fellowship
Board meeting was super as always. I am amazed at how much time is spent in
prayer by these military leaders. Every time we come up to a vote, we pray.
Every time we start a new topic, we pray. In fact, we prayed all Friday morning
before the Board even got into discussion on issues.
Sometimes I wonder if it is because these wonderful people -
while leaders in our country’s military - are not “professional” Christians.
They really believe God hears their prayers. I am always humbled and motivated
by my time with them.
On my flight over, I sat next to a Michigan University
student who was on his way to Denver to see the Frozen Four (NCAA hockey
championship). He was certain Michigan would win since they were ranked number
one and had already beaten their first opponent, Notre Dame, twice this year.
Well, as college hockey fans know, ND beat UM and then went on
to a rousing loss to Boston College.
So, coming back today I sat next to an older gentleman
wearing a Michigan sweatshirt. He was quite a UM fan having grown up in Ann
Arbor. I asked if he had gone to the hockey championship series and he muttered
something under his breath and then buried his face in a Harry Potter book
(really!). Michigan has a Quidditch
team?
Getting back to the OCF Board, I am always humbled by the
stories of bravery and sacrifice. Interestingly, one Army Colonel shared how
the most frightened he’d ever been was when his wife was diagnosed with cancer
and not expected to live.
I thought about the times of fear in my life. The experience
that comes to my mind is the first time I went to prison (visiting!). Actually,
it was a three-day ministry with some professional athletes. I thought it would
be “cool” to go but when I got on the bus to take us to the prison, I panicked!
I thought my heart would beat out of my chest. I almost went up to the driver
and asked to be let off. I don’t know why I was so fearful; but I was almost
paralyzed.
Needless to say, I did not get off the bus and while it took
me a few hours to get over my fear, I found that I really liked prison! In
fact, I went back 10 more times with that ministry as well as about 30 other
times for other reasons. Prison was areal break for me in overcoming my fearful tendencies.
For all the time I’ve spent in prison, I think I have a free
crime.
I learned a good lesson: fear is often a barrier to great
blessing. Too many times we retreat when we are afraid and never push ahead and
discover victory and (literally!) a whole new world.
Though an army besiege
me, my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me, even then will I be confident (Psalm 27:3).
For you did not
receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry,
"Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15).
There is no fear in love (1 John 4:18).
So, I’ll break out my old “No Fear” t-shirt just to remind
me.
Have a blessed week!
| 
