A couple of weeks ago I had a skin cancer removed from my arm. The stitches have been removed and for the time being, it has left a rather ugly two-inch scar. I’m sure that in time it will fade and I will hardly notice. However, if I let it, the damage to my soul could be greater than to my arm.

Any time the word cancer comes up; an old enemy tries to take advantage of the situation. I have watched friends struggle with this demon and even die in the battle but cancer isn’t the real enemy. The real enemy’s name is fear. Of course cancer isn’t the only thing that can trigger fear.  He will take advantage of many circumstances such as health, finances, relationships, or any area where we perceive a threat to our security or wellbeing. Fear is faith’s evil opposite. The scriptures clearly tell us that we are saved by grace through faith which means fear is a direct assault on our salvation. Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

You may have noticed that I referred to fear as he. The first step in defeating fear is to recognize that fear is not a part of our nature. He is a spirit, an outside invader who tries to take advantage of an open door to gain access to our souls. 2 Timothy 1:7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. If we give him opportunity, he will set about systematically destroying every last glimmer of faith and hope. Many of us have already allowed him access at some point in our lives. Often it occurs when we are too young to understand what is happening. He takes advantage of acts of abuse or neglect, isolation, lack or an atmosphere of fear in the home. It is imperative that we root fear out of our souls and we may need the help of others to do it.

Fear had a dramatic effect on my life for many years. He kept me isolated and defeated. I was in constant internal turmoil as faith and fear did battle. I believed the Word of God but was tortured by fear whenever I would step out in faith. People around me probably didn’t know it was fear because I continued to try to move forward but the pain and torment inside were crippling. It usually showed itself as anger and frustration or sometimes depression. I lived with it so long that when I was finally free, I was completely surprised that a person could live without constant anxiety.

Fear still tries to regain access whenever there is an opportunity. Now he is a vanquished enemy shouting threats from outside the walls instead of a despot ruling from within. Jesus Christ sits on the throne of faith and fear has no place. I am the gatekeeper. The only choice I have to make is whose voice will I listen to. The Lord’s voice says He loves me and is in complete control of my situation. Fear’s voice says everything is out of control and there is little hope. I chose to listen to the Lord.

If you are living under the rule of fear, it is time to recognize who he is and rise up to expel him. The armies of God are available to you to win the battle through Jesus Christ. Find someone who knows the enemy and will fight with you. Victory is assured. If you are free of fear’s tyranny, don’t listen to his voice in any situation. Hear the voice of the Lord and stand firm keeping every gate closed to fear. The most common command in the Bible may be, “fear not”.

Psalm 23 

1The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

All scripture is from the New King James Bible