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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Standing in the shower as the hot water poured over the top of my head, I spoke out loud to God, “I will serve you as long as you keep me here, Lord.”  I had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. My phone seemed to ring nonstop in the first two weeks while doctors determined a treatment plan forward.  In the midst of the flurry of early appointments and scans, I had just learned moments earlier over the phone that I would require chemo. “I will stay as long as you keep me here, God.”

While my words seemed brave to God in the shower that day, my mind was in a battle with fear. My children were just 10 and 14 at the time. Each time I thought about them, a debilitating panic would wash over me. It literally felt like fear chased me like a lion! I had to train myself to answer that lion… with Scripture…out loud!

I’m a big fan of talking to God out loud. It not only keeps my mind from wandering away from Him, but it also feels like I’m establishing an invisible, faith boundary that fear can NOT cross.

The Bible speaks on the topic of fear, quite a bit, actually. One of the most prominent references comes from Psalms 23, “..though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”  This shock of a breast cancer diagnosis brought me face to face with my own mortality. It was an assault to my whole being: mind, body and soul.

But God.

Goodness! Our wonderful Father in Heaven, He is always with us. Sometimes we might not be aware of His presence, but He is there. Deuteronomy 31:6-8 holds the most beautiful promise: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread.. for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

He never leaves us. Not once. In fact, He walks with us each day, through everything, until one day, He will walk us all home. Until then, the next time fear tries to chase you like a lion, speak Scripture out loud! His Word is mightier than a two-edged sword and it will drive back that fear.

“Father God,  thank You for never leaving nor forsaking me (us). Help me (us) to put our faith and confidence only in you!”

For His Glory

Liz Minuto
TRBC Women’s Life