I Shall Not Be Afraid

Right after this photo I noticed a sea monster right next to my kayak. It was at least four feet long, and its head was above the water. It was glaring at me with an open mouth, and visible, frightening fangs. I quickly noticed the copper diamond markings along its sinuous, creepy body and paddled as fast as I could to get it far behind me. I assume it was flashing its fangs at me because I scared it. Can copperhead snakes leap out of water? It gives me the heeby-jeebies just to know what adept swimmers they are. What if they can leap out of water at passing kayakers? 

Here's what I learned later on Google. Copperheads, closely related to the Cottonmouth,(another snake I hope never to see in my lifetime,) swim with their head and up to a third of their body out of water. When they sense a predator, they swim with their mouth open and fangs bared. Lovely. That snake was indeed ready to attack me. One site's writer said he SAW a cottonmouth leap out of the water while swimming. Another site claimed snakes could not do that.

Any way about it, my once rock-solid sense of security in my kayak on fresh water lakes is now shattered. I also don't know why the snake was threatening me. I was minding my own business with no intention of harming him. Alas, the conclusion is obvious: this world is full of risk and danger. It would be easy to be paralyzed with fear and never dare step from our living rooms.

Not an option, God says. He is unequivocal about fear: For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

There are a gazillion verses about fear in the Bible. Nearly all talk about those who trust God have no reason to fear. The Bible is also quite clear that there are all kinds of fearsome spirits and events around us. It doesn't matter. We are not to fear. God, who controls everything, including our ultimate fate, has us in His sights. I hope He will control my nightmares of a monster snake with dripping fangs beside my kayak.

Hiding in my living room is not allowed. I return to the sidewalks of the abortion mill today, after a few weeks off to tend my folks in NY. My team and I will proclaim life, and hope, and resources, and the soul saving love of Christ. I do not go in fear, though the sense of evil is palpable there. God is with me. Prayers still much appreciated.

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Isaiah 41:10 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 23:1-6 

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

1 John 4:18 

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Psalm 34:4 

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Proverbs 29:25 

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 56:3-4 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?