After God delivered me from fear, I realised that I was still afraid of one thing: horses. I like to go for long runs in the countryside and the route I usually took had a new set of visitors – some huge four-legged friends!
For a few days, I avoided the offending field. It was easy to argue quite reasonably about this one – horses are much bigger than me and I am sure there must be stories of gruesome deaths by trampling!
Fear is not logical
Let me stop there. Although we may be able to justify our jitters, remember that fear is not rooted in reason. You cannot convince someone who is terrified of dogs that your hound is friendly.
Fear is a spirit which does not listen to logic. An array of arguments about the affable nature of horses would not have quelled my anxiety. Reason will not defeat your fears either.
Zero tolerance
Then one day when I was out running, I thought to myself, “Why am I tolerating any terror?” I had made a stand against fear and I did not want it to occupy any area of my life. Fear is believing the devil’s threats rather than trusting God. It is sin.
I repented for being afraid as I jumped over a small wall and into the field full of horses. I declared, “Spirit of fear, I rebuke you in Jesus’ name!” and I ran past the horses. I got through the field and rejoiced in my new victory.
Peace reigns
Now I had to go back the same way to return home! As I did so, there was a new peace. I said, “Jesus, I am safe because you are my shield.” I ran through that field again and for the first time in my adult life, I had no fear of horses.
All I had to do was repent of my sin, take up my authority in Christ and resist. I encourage you to do the same. The freedom you will enjoy in the end will be well worth the fight!
Foul foe
You may have a knot in your stomach just thinking about your ‘giant’. You could be afraid of a person. Perhaps you are about to take a test or have an interview. You might be terrified of making a mess. I think fear is one of our fiercest enemies.
The Amplified version of 2 Timothy 1:7 says: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear) but (He has give us a spirit) of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”
Taking charge
If you are ready to face and defeat your fears, there are two simply steps.
- Repent – Tell the Lord that you are sorry for listening to the devil’s lies rather than His word. Apologise for allowing fear to grip your heart. Repent for believing the enemy’s threats instead of trusting in God.
- Resist – fear is a spirit. James 4:7 tells us that when we resist the devil, he will flee. So after you have said sorry to God, take authority over the enemy: “In the name of Jesus, I take authority over the spirit of fear. You will no longer torment me. I bind you in Jesus’ name and I drive you out of my life,”
You will be amazed at the joy that comes when you refuse all fear. Sometimes fear is rooted in trauma or pain. When that is the case, you will need to deal with the root as well as the fruit. Come along to Healed for Life (and keep coming) until you are free.
