I started hiking (alone) in the mountains around my eastern Kentucky home when I was eight years old. When I asked my mom if I could explore the mountain across from our house she handed me a snakebite kit, showed me how to use it, and told me to be home before dark.

Hiking in the woods was common throughout my childhood and I would often encounter other kids I knew, traveling along the ridges and climbing the huge boulders and rock formations at the summit. We would usually play some imaginary game together and then continue on our way.

I also frequently encountered wildlife. I saw wildcats, bobcats, Lynx, and, of course, the snakes I had been warned about. Once I almost stepped on a poisonous copperhead, but it was asleep and I walked around it. Another time I rounded a tall formation called a “chimney rock” and confronted a rattlesnake with its mouth open barely one foot in front of me. Thankfully its mouth was filled with a mouse it had caught.

I was afraid of snakes but early decided that I would need to overcome my fear if I wanted to keep hiking (which I loved).

My most dramatic experience occurred when I was following a trail through an unfamiliar section of forest with my friend, Denver Gray. Denver was in the lead when he stopped and pointed to a sleeping rattlesnake that was almost six feet long. Denver carefully bent over the reptile, grabbed its tail, and jerked it hard like a whip. This violent action separated its fanged head from its body as the head went flying into the brush. I stood in shock as Denver dropped the body, shuddered, and said, “Man, I am so afraid of those things!”

The best way to overcome fear is to trust God, face it squarely, and conquer it. You can either overcome your fear or be overcome. It’s your choice. Don’t let fear stop God’s wonderful plan for your life. Always remember that Jesus defeated all fear when He died on the cross and was resurrected three days later.

The Bible says in Isaiah 41:10, “So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” NIV

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