Confident, Defiant, Reliant: 3 Keys to Tackling FearSýnishorn

Defiant

"Why aren't you going to the States for your surgery?" It's a simple and legitimate question, but it became an irritation after being asked more times than I care to count. And it began to feel like spiritual warfare, planting seeds of fear in my spirit. As missionaries, in each country we have lived in, we have discovered medical professionals in private hospitals comparable to the level of care found in our passport country.

One friend recommended the doctor who gave me my preliminary diagnosis. An MRI confirmed his opinion that for me, as an athlete, arthroscopic surgery was my best option. Another friend who'd had arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder in Guatemala recommended his surgeon. I sent a WhatsApp message to the Sports Clinic, and the surgeon's quick response led to a video conference within fifteen minutes. God's presence filled our online meeting, the doctor's English was perfect, and his words were informative and encouraging. God answered all my questions, provided the funds, and a few weeks later, the surgeon performed the procedure.

In Psalms 46:1-3 we find reasons to defy fear. It reads: "God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil."

"Therefore we will not be afraid" is a declaration based on a well-grounded confidence in the LORD, resulting in a well-grounded defiance against the spirit of fear.

We will not be afraid no matter what comes our way. The psalmist puts forth every calamity he thinks would be a deal-breaker. And though our list would look different, our decision not to give in to fear still stands.

The Passion Translation says, "God, you're such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You're a proven help in time of trouble— more than enough and always available whenever I need you. So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away. We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes, moving mountains and casting them into the sea."

God is our safe and powerful refuge. He has repeatedly proven Himself so that we can be confident in Him. And we can stand defiant against the spirit of fear. That spirit is not from God. He has gifted us with power, love, and a sound mind.

Defy all your fear, dear one, and find peace in Him.

Application: Take some time to think about the declaration "We will not fear." Personalize the list of calamities, take the situation you are currently experiencing, and pray about the stance not to be afraid.

Prayer:

Holy Father, You alone are God. You are more than enough and always there in times of trouble. Help us to see You clearly. Help us to declare defiantly, "We will not be afraid." You did not give us fear, so guide us as we walk in Your gifts of power, love, and soundness of mind.