Have you ever been absolutely certain you saw something threatening, only to discover it was completely harmless? That's exactly what happened during a family camping trip at Nicola Lake when what appeared to be a menacing black panther turned out to be nothing more than a burned tree stump. This deceptive encounter serves as the perfect metaphor for how fear distorts our perception of reality.
We live in a world saturated with fear-inducing messages. News cycles, social media feeds, and casual conversations often highlight everything that could go wrong. But today's message offers a refreshingly simple antidote: keep your eyes on Jesus. Listen to His words that bring life, peace, and hope rather than the noise that breeds anxiety. When we anchor our perception in the truth of God's presence and promises, what initially appeared threatening loses its power over us. The "panther" reveals itself as nothing more than a harmless stump, and we can continue our journey unafraid. Start your day right by focusing on this truth, and watch how differently you navigate life's challenges when viewing them through the lens of faith rather than fear.
