Overcoming Fear

At Joy El, a Christian Retreat Center in PA, we hold a Homeschool Retreat every year. This year I had the opportunity to help at the zip line. The campers were having a blast going down multiple times. When two would go at the same time, they would race to see who would get to the bottom first. There was one camper who was excited to go on the zip line for his very first time. He got harnessed up and started up the stairs to the platform. When he got to the top, the look on his face changed from excitement to fear as he nervously clipped in and then froze. He did not want to go. When he communicated his hesitation, I took a moment to slow down and talk through it with him. I shared Joshua 1:9 which says, “This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” We talked for a few more minutes and he then said he was ready. He stepped off the platform and went down the zip line. He absolutely loved it. As he got back to the top of the hill, he was already in line to go again! He went down at least four more times that day and it was a blessing to see the smile on his face the rest of the retreat.