Fear
Hath Torpedoes
by
Pastor Jack Hayford
That's not
exactly the way 1 John 4:18 reads in the old King James. The word
there is, "Fear hath torment." Nevertheless, fear
does take potshots at each of us. Without realizing it, we begin
ducking and dodging.
Recognizing
a clear-cut, head-on attack of a massive spirit of fear can be a
challenge. We become afraid to be bold, tearing ourselves up with
self-scrutiny, always inclined to function from a defensive stance
rather than from the solidity of a positive-in-faith position.
One shot is
aimed at filling our minds with self-doubt, suggestions that we
never do anything right. I don't mean anyone actually says
that . . . anyone visible, I mean. But just as Jesus countered
temptation with the Word, so can we. Scripture says that we have
the mind of Christ and that He is directing our paths (1 Corinthians
2:16, Proverbs 3:6).
Another shot
is physical sickness as a specific result of a subtle and calculated
work of fear.
Our Adversary
is doing everything possible to sink us. The waters we're navigating
seem to be boiling with warheads, a tormenting presence of perpetual
distractions.
Then Jesus
points out the real problem: We defend against attack
rather than going on attack. "No weapon formed against
us shall prosper," His voice rings out (Isaiah 54:17).
You remember
the words of Admiral Farragut at the battle of Mobile Bay. When
surrounded by attackers, he chose the course of bold action rather
than cautious defense. His words speak out across the years,
"Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!"
That may not
be a very pastoral thing to say . . . but when you face this kind
of thing, let me encourage you to get your hand back on the throttle.
Don't let Satan even slow you down long enough to dodge his hell-shots.
Make your speech: Send them back with that word, and "full
speed ahead."
In the Name
of Him who knows what to do with torpedoes, Amen! |
Jack
Hayford Ministries
14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405-2233