Fear came calling one day last week. It does not take much – a phone call, an email, perhaps a visit – and fear thinks it can move in to stay.
As women who seem programmed to love, nurture, and care for our families, and friends, we are uniquely susceptible to anxiety and fear. Care that causes concern can transform into worry in a millisecond.
(from An Imperfect Woman by Kim Hyland, page 80)
Fear is no stranger to me, in fact, if you are in search of the biggest chicken, you need search no more. But as the years pass, managing fear is getting more doable.
We may be susceptible to fear but we can also fight against it:
- Have faith. “… hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil” (Ephesians 6:16, NLT). Don’t let familiarity rob you of the truth of this verse. Your shield of faith is trust in God to be with you right where you are.
- Remember the promises of God. Along with those promises, recall the faithfulness and goodness of God in the past. “… take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (verse 17, NLT). His Word is the means by which we push the enemy back. We squash the fears as we remember the promises. Our faith increases as our fears are diminished.
- Pray. Pray by yourself, by all means. But share your fear with those who will immediately pray with you and for you. “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion” (verse 18, NLT).
The morning fear came calling, I went to the online Bible Study and read John 17. The beautiful words of Jesus as He prayed for the disciples, and for each of us, brought peace. He protects us by the power of His Name. The reminder of the protection and power which comes when we call on Jesus brought me assurance.ÂÂ
“Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you, Holy Father, you have given me your name, now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united as we are.” (John 17:11, NLT)
Remembering the many times He had seen us through brought renewed confidence.
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up, the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:2-3, NLT)
And the group of friends prayed.
“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”
(Psalm 34:4, NLT)
Yes, fear came calling and had to leave.
With faith shielding,
God’s truth parrying,
and my friends praying,
fear had no room to grow.
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.”
(Ephesians 6:10, NLT)
Today I am joining … #DreamTogether and Inspire Me Monday .
Thanks for these words of truth today, Joanne! May we walk in love and not fear!
I’m a chicken too, Joanne. Fear often comes calling. I love where you went when it called on you!
It’s the best and only place to go, Lisa. Praying I go there quickly each time!
Fear calls on me far too much as well! Thanks for the verses you shared. They definitely help us get things in perspective.
Lesley, we need to remind ourselves often so we are instantly pro-active when the knock comes. And it will come. But we do not need to respond. So grateful He teaches and helps us.
My godly girlfriends have helped me fight back fear through their prayers on many occasions, Joanne. So I totally agree and am pinning for all to see! 😉
Yes, thank God for praying friends, Beth!
This is beautiful! I’ve never paid special attention to that verse, before, but what a powerful prayer. And the thought that Jesus prayed for ME!
John 17 is such a beautiful and hope filled chapter. No more powerful prayer than the one Jesus prays for us. So grateful He still lives to make intercession for us! Have a blessed week, Anita!
The words from Isaiah are so comforting. They provide a beautiful promise from God. I know how fear can knock me down in one fell swoop but it does not have the last word – God does. I am so glad you had a group of women to pray for you. Isn’t it great how your Bible study day came at just the right time?
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Mary, I am most grateful for the women God has provided in my life. May we each realize God crosses the paths of His people for specific purposes, one of them being to pray for one another.
May you and your family have a blessed Easter!