Have you ever ridden in a dune buggy? I hadn’t until we went to California. One of our stops along our journey through the sunshine state was Pismo Beach. Pismo is known as being the beach with the dunes. They have sand dunes as tall as a seven story building. We decided it would be great fun to check it out.
I hadn’t really thought through the process. When we arrived they took us into a tiny trailer and gave each of us our gear, which was helmet similar to a motorcycle helmet and goggles, so our nose and mouth were the only exposed areas of our face. I have struggled with claustrophobia in the past and this really put me to the test. I put the helmet on and immediately, my heart started racing. There was no way the goggles were going to make it on my face, but I knew they had to if I was going to ride through the dunes. I didn’t want to disappoint my kids and be the one sitting in the car while they had fun, but this was a real struggle (stupid I know, but real none the less).
I took the helmet off and walked outside to have a word with God. I kept thinking of 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” I reminded Him, “God, I did a whole ladies retreat on this one verse. I know I’m not supposed to fear, but its happening. You’ve got to help me get a handle on this. I do not want to miss out of family fun because of this fear.” I have to say instantly a breeze blew across my face and I knew I had to put the helmet back on again. I just kept praying the easiest prayer ever as I put it on…”Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” I got the helmet on and I kept feeling the breeze. I then had to secure the helmet with the strap. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” Finally, after I climbed into the dune buggy, I put the goggles over my face. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” And then we were off. I was shocked I never gave the helmet or the goggles another thought once we drove away. I was focused on my family and the experience before me.
I have to say without a doubt, that was some of the most fun I’ve ever had with my family and I would have missed it if I had allowed fear to win. In Mark 4:35-41 the disciples are in a boat and a storm is raging around them with Jesus asleep in the front of the boat. They wake Him up because they’re scared to death and He tells the storm “Quiet! Be still!” [Verse 39]. They learn something that day and I had to be reminded of it on Pismo Beach: When you have Jesus with you, you don’t need to be afraid, because He has power and authority over whatever you’re struggle with and He won’t leave you hanging. The good news for us is Jesus is ALWAYS with us. He dwells within us and all we have to do is call His name.
What are you facing today that scares you? There is one simple key to see you through any situation…”Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!”