Key Bible Verse: Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear (1 John 4:18). Bonus Reading: 1 John 4:13-18

I glanced across to check on my fourth passenger in the front seat. In contrast with the three in the backseat, he was staring ahead, contemplative and detached. Even casual. "Yu no gat pret?" I asked him. ("Aren't you afraid?")

He looked me in the eyes and responded deliberately. "Skin bilong mi tasol I pret." ("Only my skin is afraid.")

"What about the rest of you?" I asked.

Pointing out of the window, he answered in his pidgin English. "I see the mountains. They are so close. I see the trees and the rocks as they rush by. I see the rain, and I hear it beating on the glass. I see the clouds all around us. I didn't know that this big bird of yours shook like this. There is much to be afraid of here. But," he continued with a smile, "my fear is only as deep as my skin."

"What about under your skin?" I asked.

"I'm not afraid under my skin," he said. "I know the One who made the mountains. I know the One who made the rocks and the trees. I know the One who made the clouds and the rain. He's told me that I don't need to be afraid? Why? Because He lives inside my skin. And He promised never to leave me. Because of that, I am not afraid."

—Max Meyer in Riding the Heavens

My Response: What circumstance beyond my control is testing my trust in God?

Thought to Apply: Do you know what the most frequent command in the Bible turns out to be? "Don't be afraid. Fear not. Don't be afraid."—N.T. WRIGHT (British scientist turned cleric)

Adapted from Riding the Heavens (Zondervan, 2000) 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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