Who Said It
John Ortberg

John Ortberg is a teaching pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California. His teaching brings Scripture alive and invariably includes practical applications and warm humor. Earlier he pastored a church in Southern California, then for several years he filled a teaching role at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. John has written several books. The latest is God Is Closer Than You Think. He and Nancy have three teenage children.

What He Said
What Fear Does to Us

A friend asked me a question about an area in my life for which the true answer would have been embarrassing, and I didn't want to be embarrassed. So I just lied. I had to go back and do repair work that was very painful for me. When I look back on it, I wonder, Why did I lie? Why do I ever lie? Usually to avoid pain. I'm afraid of what will happen if I tell the truth. Fear prompts me to lie.

And it's not just deceit. When people are gossiping, I join in even though I know it's wrong because I'm afraid of being left out. I hoard possessions because I'm afraid I'll be bored or insecure if I don't have a lot of stuff. I flatter someone because I'm afraid he or she won't like me if I don't.

Look at most sin and underneath it you'll find fear. I'm afraid that if I risk obeying God, He won't take care of me. I won't be all right and something will happen that I can't handle.

Adapted from If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat (Zondervan, 2001) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Heavenly Father, You know what I fear. Help me to give you that fear today. May I rest in your peace and strength no matter what happens.

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