Fear Not

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7(KJV)

I was asleep when a sudden, intense fear like I had never experienced gripped my heart, making it pound nearly out of my chest. My eyes flew open. Framed in the bedroom doorway was a crimson figure, head crowned with red spikes. No facial features were evident, but I knew it was the devil.

Like a frightened child, I grabbed the covers and pulled them over my head, squeezing my eyes shut. I felt a coldness grip me inside out. I lay rigid and my breathing grew fast and shallow for several moments. Involuntarily, my hands slowly pulled the covers down from my face. Eyes wide, I stared at the doorway. It was completely empty. Relief washed over me.

I relaxed as the blood began to course through my veins, warming me once again. I told myself it was silly, and that it was only my imagination, a bad dream. But was it? Oh, God, protect my family and me. Give us Your peace and love. I determined right then to get more serious about my faith.

In the light of a new day, I pulled out my Bible and read aloud in ll Timothy 1:7,”For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Hearing my voice gave me the confidence and courage to start my devotion to God right then.

Father, thank You for covering me with the peace that casts out all fear. Amen

©2013 Evelyn B. Ryan