They say to
be a writer you have to be in touch with your inner self – your emotions, your
world-view and your convictions. Some of the best writers are those who can
transfer their own world of thoughts and ideas unto a piece of paper and make
it seem real. The words of Mary Poppins, Lord of Rings and
even Humpty Dumpty all possess an enchanting characteristic of wonder that
captivates readers around the world. Lately, I started thinking about what I
would write about if I was given an opportunity to describe my reality on a piece of paper.
My story
will most probably begin in a land of green pastures, fruit trees and
waterfalls. I will write about the day I
was called to be part of the army of light, and the power I received to
overcome the evil forces of darkness that were constantly attacking innocent
victims, exposing them to the consequences of sin. Readers will be intrigued by exhilarating adventures,
supernatural miracles and victories. My
mind will continually reflect back on my past, with interesting flashbacks of
my life before I met Jesus Christ, to
give insight as to how my heart and actions changed over the years. People will be
captivated by my story, crediting me with an over-active imagination. I might even get a book deal.
But to those
who know the truth, the reality of salvation is undeniable. The joy is
inexpressible and the love overwhelming. We walk around like aliens on earth,
with a new found purpose. No longer do we live for ourselves, but we live as
Kingdom citizens, reveling in promises that are part of our inheritance –
righteousness, freedom and forgiveness all wrapped up in grace.
Yet, every
writer knows that a good story always has a point of conflict. Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall, Mary Poppins
flew away and Frodo almost lost the ring.
Ironically, the point of conflict in my life-story will not be the
result of outward circumstances. It will not be a battle against Mammon or even
pride. The climax of the book will be a difficult confrontation, a frightening
encounter with the powerful enemy called: My Fears.
My Fears is unlike any other enemy. His
poisonous weapons paralyse you to the point of hopelessness. My
Fears is a big giant, with the ability to freeze you, so that you cannot defend yourself with the sword of truth. It blinds
you from God’s reality and instead changes your perception from hope to futility.
But what makes this enemy so dangerous, is the way he attaches himself to your
heart, especially your desires. His arms,
filled with venom, wrap around things in your life, and slowly squeeze out
all faith. Most Christians run away from
him, because it is often times too difficult to face Fears. They try and hide from the giant, looking
for an escape from the symptoms of worry and anxiety that linger on in their
lives because of the poison.
My Fears creates a picture of
something that Christians don’t want, something that they are too afraid to confront in their
lives. And as long as they run away, the power of the giant will remain. At the end, some Christians give-in to its power,
lose faith and become despondent in the army of light. Where they once were
bold and confident, they become withdrawn and scared, always expecting the worse.
Unfortunately,
the only way how you can rid yourself from the effect of Fears is by uncovering the false reality that the
giant creates. And for that you have to allow the scenario to play out. Jesus gave
us a Spirit of power, love and a sound mind, that empowers has to wash our
hearts clean with the soap of truth, which is more potent than the poison of
Fears. Every time he tries to make a Christian timid, the faith of God counteracts
it with words of truth that can only be found in the Bible. You cannot run
away, because it won’t help. You cannot pretend as if Fears’ poison did not
enter your heart, because you will carry it wherever you go. No, you can only
stand, face Fears, let it play out and continually counteract the sting of
the lie by revealing truth. You have to
be well acquainted with the weapons of God’s love and power to overcome this
difficult confrontation.
Whenever I
face My
Fears, it’s not easy. I am always
amazed by the way in which the Holy Spirit leads me, cover me and protect me
from its fiery darts, even when I want to run away. God empowers me when I make
the choice to face My Fears. Sometimes it
is difficult to keep on fighting when others run away, but at the end I know
the outcome. Christ leads us into victory in all circumstances. His love drives
away My
Fears.
After the giant is defeated, and his power completely
nullified, I will end my story with a scene of jubilation and triumph, feasting
on God’s faithfulness. The victory always tastes sweet. My heart will be
content, full of joy, peace and amazement.
And as I put
down my pen and compile the pages of my life, I will be certain of this truth: No weapon formed against me will prosper. God
gave me victory over My Fears. He will turn uncertainty,
anxiety and stress into answered prayers. All glory to God!
2 Tim 1:7
For God has
not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound
mind.
1 John 4:18
There is no
fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with
punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Ps 20:5
We will [shout in] triumph at your
salvation and victory, and in the name of our God we will set
up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
