Observations

The popular (and sometimes gross) Fear Factor show would put contestants to the test against their worst fears.  Some contestants had to eat nasty items even my high school biology teacher may get queasy over.  Some had to climb to a height only necessary for a skyscraper window cleaner.  Some had to lie down in a confined space with reptiles or insects.  Because fear can be so paralyzing, not all contestants were successful in facing their fear. 

After doing research, I found the top two fears for people are:

     – speaking in public

     – spiders 

I recently completed a trip to China.  During my visit, I met brave Chinese Christians. Sure they had fears of being a Christian and losing their job, their home, their reputation, their family, being imprisoned or banished from their village.  But they were faith filled.  Their sights were not on the source of the fear.  Their sights were on the source of their faith — God and the hope of celebrating their future Heavenly home. 

These people depicted faith fullness.  They didn’t allow fear fullness to deter them and what they believed in.  They were so committed to their cause, their mission, their heart that they conquered the many fears connected to being a Chinese Christian and very possible persecution. 

Reflecting on my fears and level of faith, I came away encouraged by my Chinese brothers and sisters.  I also felt discouraged at my fears and faithlessness.  I don’t wish to be weak from fear, rather strong in faith. 

If there was a TV show called Faith Factor, I am confident the Chinese Christians I met would win.  Would I?  Would you?