“I took my small dog for a walk one night,” my friend Ian said. “The area was dark except for a light near the big fountain in the courtyard of the apartment complex.”
“I heard my neighbor yell from her second-floor balcony. But the sound of the water in the nearby fountain drowned her words. So I returned the greeting. Since it was Christmas time, I assumed she had yelled out, ‘Merry Christmas.'”
“Then her shout became louder, ‘Look behind you, Ian’!”
‘Run, Ian, Run’
I turned. And my eyes caught the glimpse of a big, furious javelina charging at my small dog and me. Heart thumping, with one swoop I scooped my puppy. And I took off like a bullet. That’s when I had my Forest Gump moment. My neighbor shouted, ‘Run, Ian, run!'”
Ian had his neighbor, but we have the Lord shouting to our souls, “Run, run as fast as you can.”
When would He say that? Each time we’re being attacked by the beast of fear.
Fear Charges at You
You’re been there, haven’t you? During dark nights, out of nowhere, with no warning, fear charges at you. Fearful that money will run out. Fearful our kids won’t grow up the way we want them to. Fearful of losing our health. Fearful to be alone.
Afraid to stay with the wrong person … afraid to leave them. Afraid we’ll never heal from the heartache.
Goodness gracious, God is shouting to you and me, “Run, run from that spirit of fear.”
And with the same authority as David did, with the same assurance and assertion, we declare: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom will I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid?” (Ps. 27:1-2).
Let’s Pray
Father, how foolish to be afraid, knowing you’re the stronghold of my life, of my decisions, of circumstances, relationships and my future. With your power working in me, I have the strength, the courage and the authority to defeat any attack of fear. In Jesus’ name, amen.
- What has you afraid today?
- Is your fear one that God cannot overcome?
- How will you display that new courage found in Christ? {eoa}
Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and the author of four books. She has helped thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.
This article originally appeared at janetperezeckles.com.
