Sometimes the excitement of an adventure turns in an instant to fear. In moments of fear, our bodies act similarly to when we are excited – our blood starts rushing, our hearts start racing, and our endorphins kick in. For many years I traveled to dangerous parts of the world. In 1984, I walked off a stage in South America, praising God for the thousands of people who had just committed their lives to Christ. Then I was given a note from the Shining Path, the infamous terrorist network. They told me to leave the country within 24 hours, or they would kill me like a dog. I took the note to the police, and their faces turned pale as they told me it was not a hoax.  It was a real threat. Let me tell you, I felt some fear! But we had a mission scheduled in the capital city, and we couldn’t leave that nation just because we were afraid.

So we went ahead with the festival, taking all of the precautions we could. I was at peace with God, and knew He would watch over me until my time came, so all I had to do was manage my own fear. For, as Psalm 27 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?” I knew the Lord was my protector, and I trusted he was guiding my adventure. That kind of bravery only comes from God! When we manage our fear and trust in the Lord, we are capable of reaching our world for Christ. Try it yourself.            

  This is Luis Palau.