Imagine Part 7 “Fear Factor” THRIVE Service Livestream THRIVE Service Livestream

Fear Factor was a television show that ran from 2001-2006.

Here’s the promotional summary:

“Imagine a world where your greatest fears become reality. Welcome to Fear Factor. Each show, six contestants from around the country battle each other in three extreme stunts. These stunts are designed to challenge the contestants both physically and mentally. If the contestant is too afraid to complete a stunt, they’re eliminated. If they fail a stunt, they’re eliminated. But if they succeed, they will be one step closer to the grand prize, $50,000. Six contestants, three stunts, one winner.”

Honestly, it was hard to watch. Every deep seeded fear most of us have was included. Fear of heights, fear of drowning, fear of being locked in a confined space with insects and reptiles. People encountering their worst fears, instructed to eat all kinds of deplorable things, being asked to do the unthinkable. The show was both bingeworthy and cringeworthy.

We all have fears. Every one of us is afraid of something.

We’re afraid of falling and afraid of failing.

Afraid of being hurt and afraid of being helpless.

Afraid of being alone and afraid of being rejected.

Afraid of taking risks and afraid of being left behind.

Afraid of living and afraid of dying.

I don’t know anyone who isn’t afraid of something. Maybe that’s the point. We’re all afraid.

But the goal isn’t to eradicate all our fears; not sure that’s even possible.

The goal is to live with our fears but not let them dominate us, paralyze us, or keep us from being the people God created us to be.

In Psychology, there is a term called Substitute therapy. It means you take one bad thought or feeling and replace it with a better and healthier thought.

In our faith, it means taking our deepest fears and substituting them for the assurance and confidence of God’s promise to be with us.

Psalm 27 is the antidote and substitute for our deep seeded fears.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When we’re afraid, we look to Him.

Jesus promised His disciples three things – that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.

Imagine what we could do if we weren’t afraid?