Just 2 weeks before we took our flight to Sedona, we received rather shocking health news concerning my husband. The day before we left, we met with the specialist to learn more. The visit did little to assuage my concern, although he told us to go enjoy our vacation, and that the next test could wait until we got back. My emotional state when we left Nashville for Arizona was one full of anxiety, worry, and fear. We knew God was with us, that He would guide us, and we trusted Him completely with our future. But I admit, the uncertainty of the future often preoccupied my thoughts. It wasn’t until our hike along the creek that I realized how the enemy had used these negative thoughts to undermine my faith and confidence.
I knew that the hike we were about to take crossed a creek multiple times. I didn’t think anything about it. I knew the path would traverse hills and the banks down and up from the creek. I didn’t think anything about it. That is, I didn’t think anything about it until we came to the first “crossing.” As I stood on the bank of the creek, I felt uncertainty grow within me. Could I really take the proper steps that would get me from this side to that one without twisting my ankle or falling completely into the water?
I could and I did. But that didn’t stop the unfounded doubts from rising within me. Each time we faced the creek I panicked a little. When we faced a steeper than usual area, I worried about the strength in my legs and knees. Even when a complete stranger complimented me on how well I crossed the creek, the doubt and fear grew within me. It wasn’t until we were nearly finished with the hike that I realized the enemy of my soul was at work to threaten my confidence in my ability to take the necessary steps I faced. Satan will use what he can to derail you from your God-given path. If he can’t derail you, he will bring fear, anxiety, doubt and more to steal your joy and peace.
Jesus told his disciples satan’s strategy in John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
The thief expanded the concern and love I have for my husband and our marriage to steal my confidence, kill my enjoyment, and destroy my trust in myself and the Lord that day on my hike.
I work out regularly in such a way that builds strength and balance. There weren’t physical limitations that caused my panic. The problem was that I had allowed fear, doubt, and anxiety to grow within me. After the hike, I spent time in the Word and with the Lord. I repented of my fear and anxiety and I allowed Holy Spirit to flood me with his Presence and His promises. I was reminded that God did not give me or you a spirit of fear, but of power.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
A common scheme of the enemy is to bring intimidation and fear to our thoughts and mind. The good news is that we are aware of the adversary’s schemes and we have the key to overcome his plans. The apostle Peter describes the enemy like a lion. He is not a lion. He can only imitate the beast.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Staying aware and vigilant to the schemes of the enemy transform him into a paper tiger that can easily be defeated.. Through Christ’s death and Resurrection, we share in His victory over anything the enemy brings. We defeat the enemy and his schemes by keeping our focus on Jesus and God’s promises
There were times on that hike when I whispered God’s Word to encourage myself. I spoke, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) as I stepped across the rocks to ford the stream. I whispered, “I am more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37) as I climbed the steep embankment.
We have and continue to apply God’s promises as we walk through my husband’s health situation. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) is a promise on repeat in my mind as I look to the future and the steps we were directed to take.
Shortly after we returned from Arizona, my husband took the next step—the next test that the doctor recommended. He “passed” it with flying colors. Satan used one set of test results to inflict worry and anxiety. God used a more accurate test to assure us of my husband’s overall health and well being.
Today, we walk with confidence and trust for my husband’s well being as we live in God’s Presence and follow Holy Spirit’s direction. Those directions have changed a few necessary habit changes. In addition my husband takes the recommended medicines. Both ensure he is healthy and fit for the Master’s good work.
Later on vacation, I hiked a new path with confidence and strength. I knew God had prepared me for the hike and for whatever the future holds for me. With Rick’s health, we daily step into the future with assurance that God has prepared us to take whatever step He places in front of us.
The same is true for you Dear One, whatever step you face today, God has prepared you to take it, He has defeated the enemy who tries to steal it from you. He walks beside you in whatever steps you have before you. His Word is full of promises that you can claim and rest in.
I have paraphrased 2 Timothy 1:7 into a favorite motto. I often find myself saying, “No Fear.” Those two words remind me that with Jesus by my side, I have nothing to fear.