PenWorks of the Word | Featured Author | Jon Caldwell

Greetings,

Today's featured author, Jon Caldwell, is the last one for the PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour for 2025. It is encouraging to me that he is someone who is brand new to the world of faith-based writing.  The whole purpose of this tour was to bring authors from across all genres who write from a faith-based perspective and to promote unity in Christian Writing. I believe that makes Jon the best author to close us out.

I'm also excited to announce that this won't be the last post you see from Jon on my website, either. Yep, that's write (pun intended). I've invited him to be a regular here at The Gathering Room. I cannot wait to see more of his writing start to come alive, here, and in other places. Don't forget there is still one day left in the KingSumo Giveaway, and without further ado, here is Jon's devotional. 

What a fitting way to end this tour, focused on God, the one who brought all of us together. 

See you in the 'digital' pages, 

M.J.E.

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When the World Celebrates Fear  

Every October, fear becomes entertainment. Haunted houses fill up, horror movies take over the airwaves, and darkness becomes a costume we wear for fun. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the season. Pumpkins, candy, and community gatherings can bring lighthearted joy, and to be honest, Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. Still, as we embrace these traditions, it’s worth pausing to think: Why are we so fascinated by fear?  

Fear, in its purest form, reveals something deep about us. It shows what we value, what we doubt, and where our faith is fragile. In this light, Halloween—with its imagery of shadows and the supernatural—can actually become a mirror that reflects our spiritual condition.  

Fear is one of humanity’s oldest instincts. It made Adam and Eve hide in the garden. It made the Israelites tremble at the Red Sea. It makes us hesitate to trust God when life grows uncertain.  I know that when fear and doubt creep into my mind, my first instinct is to make snap decisions and try to figure things out for myself, rather than turn to the Lord and say a quick prayer, and I am sure many of you share the same sentiment.

Fear isn’t always irrational. The world can be dark at times. Evil exists. Loss and suffering are real. Yet, fear becomes dangerous when it replaces faith. Scripture reminds us that fear doesn’t come from God. In fact, it’s often the enemy’s first weapon—not to destroy our bodies, but to paralyze our souls.   

When fear takes root, it whispers lies:  

“You’re not enough.”  

“You can’t handle this.”  

“God’s forgotten you.”  

 
But faith answers back:  

“I am made in God’s image.”  

“I can do all things through Christ.”  

“He will never leave me nor forsake me.”  

It is easy to allow ourselves to give in to fear, whether that be due to finances, stress, anxiety, or whatever unique fear that might come our way. Satan uses fear as his number one tool in an attempt to break our faith. However, Jesus and our Heavenly Father have given us a promise that we do not walk this life alone, no matter how much it may feel that way.

In John 8:12, Jesus said,

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (KJV)

That’s the message the world needs every October—and every day after. Darkness will always try to draw our attention, but light always wins. Shadows can only exist when something blocks the light; they have no power of their own.  

When you walk in the light of Christ, fear loses its substance. It becomes a shadow on the wall—visible, yes, but powerless to touch you.  

There’s a reason Scripture often pairs the words “fear not” with a call to action. Fear tries to stop us from living fully, but faith invites us to move forward courageously. Whether it’s stepping into an uncertain season, speaking truth when it’s unpopular, or trusting God through grief—courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the decision that faith will speak louder.  

This Halloween, when the world decorates itself in darkness, let it remind you to shine brighter.  When the world seems to crumble around you, invite the Lord to bring you comfort. When it all seems hopeless, remember that Christ has already defeated the greatest fear of all: sin and death. 

Let your home, your heart, and your hope reflect the truth that the grave has already been defeated—and that no fear, no demon, and no darkness can outlast the Light of Christ.