Faith over fear.

How many times have I said that over the past few weeks?

Probably hundreds, if not more. I even have a cross in my yard that proclaims it to the whole neighborhood.

But full transparency, this morning as I continued to struggle with not feeling all that well physically, compounded by the emotional stress of the world we live in right now, I found myself worrying again.

Faith over fear? Yeah, right.

I’m a liar, I thought to myself.

I really, really suck, I told myself.

Here I am proclaiming faith over fear and, some days–maybe even most days—I let fear deliver me a knockout blow without even putting up a fight. Nothing.

Hell, somedays, I’m not even pushing back.

And, then, I heard God’s sweet, sweet whisper deep in my spirit.

Believing as I do that He often whispers just so we have to really lean in, I closed my eyes and opened my heart ready to receive.

This, my friends, is what I heard.

“In this world you WILL have trouble, but, take heart, for I have overcome the world!”

Child, you are human and are prone to trying to maintain control. When you can’t control what is going on around you, or even inside you, you become fearful. And, fear, is Satan’s most powerful weapon. With it, he knows he can lead you astray and the tailspin begins.

You MUST resist him.

Anytime you feel fearful or out of control, you must STOP and recognize it for what it is–the enemy crossing the battle lines into My territory, into your heart.

Now, understand, Child, that I have the last say and everything is within My power. However, I will not stop something you invite in; things which you allow. I gave you free will and I will not ever take that away.

You MUST take captive every fearful thought, every fearful dart that is launched at you. This means anytime you feel anxiety or fear or anytime you catch yourself trying to figure out your situation and take control, STOP and whisper My name out loud. And, keep whispering it. I promise you, if you do this, Satan will have no choice but to flee, dropping every weapon formed against you at My feet.

And, one more thing. You have not failed, because you have allowed fear to temporarily squelch your faith. You are human and all humans, even those who have accepted Me as their Lord and Savior, still have to be reminded to trust Me, especially when trouble comes.

I have you in the palm of My hand, child. Keep leaning in and remember to combat every fearful thought with the whisper of My name. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. I promise you that, just as I have overcome the world, your faith in Me will overcome your fears.

Every time, without fail.

Oh, my, thank you, Lord, for always coming to my rescue and gently correcting me where the enemy tries to condemn me. I love and praise You, Father, for who You are, not just to me, but to the entire world. Faith over fear.  Because of You, I know we’ve got this. Jesus for the WIN!

Amen and Ehmen.