Here in Colorado, one of our favorite adventures is driving up Trail Ridge Road. This winding, curving road takes you through the breathtaking heights of the Rocky Mountains, leading to the highest point on this side of the Continental Divide. With steep cliffs and dramatic drop-offs, it’s no surprise that many out-of-state visitors panic as they drive. Some freeze in fear, pulling over to the side, unable to continue. Others—often Texas drivers, I’ve noticed!—hug the center of the road, unwilling to trust the edges, slowing everyone else down because of their uncertainty and fear.
Life, in many ways, feels like this road. We are traveling on a great journey with stunning vistas, unknown turns, and an incredible destination ahead. But fear—fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of losing control—can paralyze us. It can cause us to pull over and refuse to move forward. It can make us cling tightly to the middle of the road, afraid to trust the path before us. Instead of moving forward with faith, we respond with fear and freeze up. But if we live that way, we risk missing out on the life Christ has prepared for us.
How Do We Move Past Fear?
One of the most important lessons when driving a mountain road is trusting the road itself. Engineers have worked hard to make sure the pavement is stable, the lanes are wide enough, and the guardrails are in place to keep travelers safe. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, the road is designed to carry you to your destination.
This reminds me of a powerful moment in one of my favorite books, The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. In one chapter, the main character, Shasta, is walking toward the city of Anvard on an urgent mission. As he makes his way along a narrow mountain pass, he feels the dangerous drop-off beside him. But instead of panicking, he discovers Aslan—the great lion, who represents Jesus—walking beside him, between him and the cliff’s edge. Infact, the lion had been with him for all of his challenges since the beginning of time:
(The boy speaking to Aslan after a terrible ordeal where he was chased by a lion and his friend Aravis was wounded, said he had been unfortunate.) The conversation:
“I do not call you unfortunate,” said the Large Voice.
“Don’t you think it was bad luck to meet so many lions?” asked Shasta.
“There was only one lion,” said the Voice.
“What on earth do you mean? I’ve just told you there were at least two the first night, and –“
“There was only one, but he was swift of foot.”
“How do you know?”
“I was the lion.” And as Shasta gaped with open mouth and said nothing, the Voice continued. “I was the lion who forced you to join with Aravis. I was the cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove the jackals from you while you slept. I was the lion who gave the horses the new strength of fear for the last mile so that you could reach King Lune in time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the boat in which you lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat, wakeful at midnight, to receive you.”
…
“Who are you?” asked Shasta.
“Myself,” said the Voice, very deep and low so that the earth shook and again, “Myself,” loud and clear and gay; and then the third time, “Myself,” whispered so softly you could hardly hear it, and yet it seemed to come from all round you as if the leaves rustled with it.”
- Lewis, C. S. The Horse and His Boy. Macmillan, 1967, end of chapter 11.
Like Shasta, we face moments when we come face to face with “unfortunate” fear. But, God, in His majesty, wants us to know we are not alone. He’s been there all along, a party of our story. We have a choice: we can focus on the cliffs, the dangers, and the what-ifs—or we can fix our eyes on Jesus, who walks beside us. Are you going to focus on fear or faith? (for more links to my narnia-inspired blogs check out the resources at the end of this page)
Learning to Trust Like Peter
Does this remind you of another well-known biblical moment? Peter, the disciple who was bold enough to step out of the boat when he saw Jesus walking on the water, is a perfect example. At first, he walked in faith. But as soon as he looked at the wind and waves instead of Jesus, he began to sink.
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” (Matthew 14:30-31)
Peter spent his life learning to trust in God instead of his own understanding. Jesus knew Peter’s weaknesses, but He also saw who Peter would become—a great leader, a teacher, and a pastor who would help build the early church.
What About You?
What areas in your life feel scary right now? Are you tempted to pull over and freeze? Or maybe you’re inching along, afraid to trust the path ahead?
God invites us to live in freedom, not fear. The road may seem uncertain, but our trust is not in the road itself—it is in the One who walks with us. Just like Shasta had Aslan, and Peter had Jesus reaching out His hand, we, too, have Christ guiding us safely forward.
Walking with Him transforms the journey. It becomes an adventure rather than something immobilizing.
A Challenge for You
How can you keep your eyes on Jesus today? Here are three ways:
- Spend time in God’s Word – Fill your heart with His promises.
- Pray honestly – Bring your fears to Him, and ask for faith to trust the path ahead.
- Take one step of faith – Even a small step forward, done in faith, is a victory.
Here are some verses to encourage you:
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
- “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
A Prayer for You
Father, I thank You that I never walk alone. When fear rises, help me fix my eyes on You. I don’t have to have it all together, be fearless, or know every turn in the road—I just have to trust You. Walk beside me, guide me, and lead me safely to the destination You have for me. Amen.
Let this song, No Longer Slaves (to fear), minister encouragement to your heart today:
Friend, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever faced a moment of fear that God helped you overcome? Share your story in the comments below.
Until next time,
Read more about Colorado’s Trail Ridge Road here: https://www.colorado.com/byways/trail-ridge-road
https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_ridge_road.htm
Watch a video of the drive on trail ridge: (Skip to 25:46)
Here’s my other blog articles involving the Great majestic Aslan and the wonderful land of Narnia:
P.S. I have a live video that posts each first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. MT. I’d love for you to join me! Head to https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski for more.
Melanie Talevski 