No fear

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We talked about the weather, and meaningless things, until she got the nerve to ask what was on her mind.

“Do you believe in demons?”

“Yes,” I said, and prayed for wisdom.

She paused, started, stopped, let out a nervous laugh and then, “I think I’ve felt them. I was scared—really scared.”

“One of the devils weapons is fear.” I started rambling about his tactics and didn't feel qualified to answer this—

“How do I keep from being afraid?” Her voice sounded distant, like she was saying a prayer rather than asking me a question.

A scene flashed through my mind of a conversation we’d had a long time ago.

No fear...

“Someday, when your daughter gets older, take her for a walk. And as you walk, ask her if she knows where you’re going. She’ll probably say, no, and kick at a stone in the road.

Then, ask her if she knows her way home. Again, she’ll probably say, nope and then tell you to look at the pretty butterfly and ask if she can catch it.

Stop your walk and ask her if she’s scared. She’ll giggle and tell you, no silly, and she’ll say something about butterflies being nice and that they won’t bite.

Say to her, But you don’t know where you are, don’t know where you’re going and don’t know your way home—why aren’t you scared?

Out of the mouth of babes…

  And then listen close to the answer. It’ll be your answer today.


I’m not scared ‘cuz I’m with you.

I know—because I asked you the same when you were little and I was scared. You taught me; that’s the way it should be with us and our walk with God. Walk with Him like a child. And in His presence there is fullness of joy, peace that passes understanding and perfect love that casts out fear.”

Sure, at times I think, it can’t be that simple. But then I think of the child and realize, yes perhaps it is.

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

God is Love and perfect love casts out all fear. 1 John 4:15-18

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

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