Fear is an old enemy of mine.
Thankfully, the Lord has taught me much through the years and many of the tricks of fear and doubt have become useless.
But I’m far from finished fighting.
Rather, I’m becoming more skilled a warrior.
Scripture is my best defense.
Faith is my protection.
Prayer is my weapon.
Ephesians 6:13-18 NKJV — Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
The Lord, through His Word, has helped me to admit when I’m struggling, surrender myself before Him, and walk with humility through whatever circumstances are causing me to struggle with fear.
Yesterday, it was my health.
I had a “good” day suddenly turn bad through a migraine.
As I lay in bed, I was assaulted with “what if?” questions until I realized that wasn’t trusting God.
So, I prayed.
I told the Lord about my concerns and thanked Him for the opportunity to trust Him even though I had no idea what He was going to do.
Then, I worked on praising God for everything I could think of.
When I recall the goodness of God and His faithfulness, it is so much easier to trust Him.
Later in the afternoon, I had another struggle with fear.
I heard some news that brought concern about our house.
Frankly, I didn’t understand exactly what the information was, probably because of the migraine, which caused me to feel confused and frustrated.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV — For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
The Lord used scripture to remind me that He is in control.
I can rest in His love, place my thoughts into order by focusing on His Word, and have power over my emotions through self-control.
Because:
1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV — For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
This scripture was written to the church of Corinth, explaining the importance of orderly meetings so people could be taught from God’s Word.
When the Lord brought it to mind, I realized that allowing my emotions and thoughts to run wild would hinder my ability to learn from His Word through this circumstance.
I don’t want fear to rob my of an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord.
Placing my trust in Him has always brought me through whatever circumstances fear was using against me.
God is faithful and His Word is truth, in Him I have all I need.
This morning I don’t have a migraine and I’m praising God!
There are other circumstances in my schedule today I’m praying about, because I don’t want to give fear any opportunity in my heart or mind.
As for our house, I still don’t know what is happening there, but I am simply praying for my husband and our son-in-law.
I’m trusting the Lord to guide and direct them, because I am not the one doing the work, so I really don’t need to know what every detail is.
My job is to lift them up in prayer and to be diligent with the tasks at hand.
What a blessing that is!
It’s so wonderful to know God is working all things for our good as we trust daily in Him.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. Lord, thank You for continuing to teach me how to combat fear and doubt. Lord, on my own I’m unable to do anything. It is only through You and Your Spirit that I have the ability to fight fear and learn self-control. Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for walking with me through these unsettling circumstances. Lord, thank You for healing me from the migraine. Lord, I do humbly request You help those who know You, but are defeated by fear and doubt. Lord, help them find hope and comfort in You. Help them to realize that when we die to this life we gain so much more. Lord, please keep us from clinging to things of this world, but rather help us to see the blessings of eternity and the futility of temporary comfort. Thank You, Jesus for all You have done, are doing, and will do on our behalf. May Your name be glorified! Amen.
patientlyhopeful 