Devil's Dart: Fear

Fear. The Dart That Stops You in Your Tracks.

Fear does not always come charging in like a storm. Sometimes it tiptoes in quietly, whispering reasons why you should not move forward. Those reasons often sound reasonable, sensible, and safe. Those reasons make sense; I’m with you on this, but hear me out.

Fear is not our friend. If we are not careful, it will plant itself so deeply in our minds that we start mistaking it for wisdom. That is when we stall, and that is exactly where the enemy wants us.

I still remember the moment. I froze. God had been nudging me for months, maybe longer, toward something bigger than I thought I could handle. I would pray about it, talk about it, and even daydream about it. But when it came time to actually do it, my stomach would knot, my throat would tighten, and I would find a hundred reasons to wait just a little longer.

By the way, I told myself I was seeking God’s timing. I told myself I was being wise and careful. But deep down, I knew what was really going on: I was scared.

I was scared I would fail.

I was scared I would succeed and not be able to keep it up.

I was scared people would talk.

I was scared I was not enough.

The irony was that I thought I was protecting myself. In reality, I was letting fear rob me of the very thing God had prepared for me. The longer I stayed in that holding pattern, the smaller my faith felt. And what I did not realize then is that trust in God is built in the doing. We rarely feel brave BEFORE we obey. It is obedience that builds courage.

Fear vs. Anxiety — They’re Cousins, Not Twins

When we talked about anxiety earlier in this series, we unpacked that buzzing, restless, can’t-shut-your-brain-off feeling. Fear is different. Fear freezes you in place. It is not the hum of a thousand “what ifs”; it is the heavy hand on your shoulder saying, “Don’t you dare move.”

Anxiety spins. Fear stops. And the only way to stop fear from stopping you is to take the next step toward obedience anyway.

Fear’s Real Goal

Fear is more than a feeling. It is a tactic, a dart. The enemy does not care if you are comfortable, but he does care if you are called. He knows that if he can keep you stuck, you will not step into the faith-filled spaces where God moves.

Scripture is clear.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Fear says, “You are on your own.”

God says, “I am right here.”

Four Ways to Break Fear’s Grip

The first step is to name the fear out loud. The enemy thrives in secrecy, so call it what it is and speak it to God or to a trusted friend.

The second step is to counter it with truth. Find a verse that speaks directly to the fear and put it somewhere you will see every day. Let God’s Word speak louder than the lies.

The third step is to move anyway. Obedience is often the antidote to fear because it shifts our focus from our weakness to God’s strength. Take the step, no matter how small, and watch how God meets you in motion.

The final step is to tell someone. Invite a sister in Christ to walk with you through the fear. Ask her to pray for you and to check in so you do not face it alone.

The Wake-Up and the Comfort

Friend, here is the truth: Fear will not simply go away with time. It leaves when trust grows. And trust grows when we take God at His Word and obey, even when our knees are shaking. The step that terrifies you may be the very step that transforms you.

Lord, thank You that fear is not from You. Help me recognize when it is trying to hold me back, and give me the courage to obey You anyway. Strengthen my trust in You through action and teach me that my bravery comes from walking with You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

You are not alone. Everyone of us has felt the cold grip of fear. But together, and with God, we can walk forward, even if our knees are knocking. Fear may shout, but God’s voice will always be stronger. And the moment you choose obedience, you will find Him right there, steadying your steps. In love.