When I first committed my life to God, I wanted him to deliver me from all my fears and anxieties–all the bondages in my life that were crippling my life. I knew he could, and I knew he wanted to. I was ready for God to zap away all my fears.
“Lord!” I would plea, “take away this fear!”
I sat. I waited. Nothing. The fear was still there. I continued to question, “God, why won’t you help me?”
I pressed on, seeking that one-time, spiritual lightening bolt from heaven that would forever free me, but there was none. Only painful silence.
I prayed for peace, bound some demons, and was anointed with oil. I did it all. But that supernatural fire from heaven that was supposed to burn away all my problems never came.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I do believe in prayer (1 John 5:14-15), authority over the enemy (Mark 16:17), and elders anointing and praying for the sick (James 5:14). But, my goal was a quick, instant, microwave deliverance. I wanted an escape. But, I never got it.
One day, my wife was reading a book by Catherine Marshall called “Meeting God at Every Turn.” She read to me this one section where Catherine talks about how God does not “whittle away” our problems until they are gone. Rather, he gives us the strength and resources we need to overcome them.
God’s plan is not to take away our fears and anxiety. God’s plan is to give us the ability to conquer them, the strength to rise above those things that bind us and hold us back. That is the difference. Here’s God’s promise to help you be an overcomer:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Prayer: I know you want to help me, to free me, and to give me peace. Give me the strength I need to rest in your love and trust your timing. Uphold me with your righteous right hand, and carry me through the valley for fear and anxiety to the Promised Land of Peace.
