For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds… – 2 Corinthians 10:4
“Fear hath torpedoes”…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, and 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 and tear ourselves up with self-scrutiny. We can be 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. Our answer to combat these lies was modeled for us by our Savior. 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 may be familiar with 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 charge full steam ahead. Don’t let Satan even slow you down long enough to launch his hell-shots. Send them back with the authority given to you be Jesus and confirmed in the Word.
In the Name of Him who knows what to do with torpedoes of fear, Amen!
