Stardate 12.07.2025
Before today’s mission truly begins, a quick report from basecamp:
We are safe and sound after another winter storm swept across Iowa yesterday late in the day, shutting down our date night and turning the roads into sheets of white. Travel was nearly impossible. I’ll head back out soon for another round of shoveling before the temperatures plunge to 3º later today.
Now, onto the heart of the message.
Have you ever wondered what happens when fear interrupts the plans God has already set in motion for your life? Scripture doesn’t shy away from answering that question — and the answers, at times, are sobering.
Consider the ancient story of God’s chosen people. They reached the border of the promised land in less than a week. A week. Then Moses sent twelve spies ahead. Ten came back terrified, overwhelmed by what they saw. Their fear was contagious and crippling. Only two — Joshua and Caleb — returned with confidence, with trust, with eyes tuned to God’s promise rather than to danger.
Because fear outweighed faith, the people turned back. Not for a day. Not for a season.
For forty years.
As my friend Boris likes to remind me, his culture sees forty years as an entire generation. By the time the people returned to the promised land, only two of those twelve original spies were still alive — the very two who had encouraged everyone to trust God the first time. Even Moses, faithful as he had been, never entered. He died in the desert he never intended to walk for so long.
So here’s the question the story asks of us today:
When you sense what God wants to do in your life, how do you respond?
If the path feels overwhelming…
If the fear feels louder than faith…
If the unknown seems too risky…
You are not alone. That’s exactly when daily habits become lifelines.
Reading the Bible each morning has anchored me more than I can describe — and the 365 verses about fear are no coincidence. God knew we’d need that reminder every single day. Therapy helped too. Ironically, the most life-changing tool my therapist ever handed me was the serenity prayer. I didn’t have to wander in my own desert for decades. I simply had to learn to stop resisting God’s direction and start walking in step with it.
Most of my old struggles came from misalignment.
Most of my anxiety came from resisting instead of trusting.
Most of my pain came from trying to steer when God was trying to guide.
You don’t have to lose years to fear. You don’t have to miss the land God is trying to lead you into. Take a breath, take courage, and take that next step — even if your knees shake a bit.
May you live long and prosper.
Have a wonderful day, my friend.
Captain’s Addendum
Bones: Spock, I swear—fear may not be logical, but it sure is human.
Spock: Doctor, fear becomes illogical only when one permits it to prevent forward progress.
Bones: Well, it’s easy for you to say. You don’t have a heartbeat faster than a warp core misfire every time something big comes along.
Spock: Yet Captain Michael appears to manage both a human heart and forward momentum rather effectively.
Bones: Hmph. I’ll give him that. Fella takes his lumps and still keeps moving, even when there's a foot of snow in his driveway.
Spock: Indeed. A most commendable trait.
Michael’s Reflection:
If Scripture, history, therapists, and the Starship Enterprise all agree on something, it might be wise to listen. Fear doesn’t disqualify us — it simply asks whether we trust the One leading the way. God’s plans aren’t stopped by fear… only delayed. And today? Today is a much better day to trust than tomorrow.
Scripture for the Journey
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:6
Thank you for joining me today. May this message nudge you a little closer to courage, a little closer to alignment, a little closer to the life God is waiting to unfold. Let it sit with you in prayer or quiet reflection — and may peace find you right where you are. If you happen to know someone who could benefit from today's message, please forward this story. Thank you!
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