Fast and furious –  the thoughts and ideas that are running through my head as I’m finishing up details for the talk I’m giving on Saturday.

But chasing right behind them, grabbing at their ankles, are the ghosts of fears past.  Anxiety, doubt, insecurity.  Enemies whose legs are not as strong as they used to be, but who are giving a last ditch effort to push and trip me.

It only makes sense, of course.  This is spiritual battle at its finest.

When God is up to something, fine tuning His beautifully elaborate plan (as always), the enemy panics.  He tries desperately to distract and paralyze and confuse.

I shouldn’t be surprised that, given the subject matter (spiritual courage), Satan is a little spooked.  He lashes out in his own fear of spiritual awakening and growth.

And honestly, I’ve had about enough of it.

Oh, his tactics won’t change.

But mine can!

If, when I feel his attacks I am down on my knees instead of up in arms.

If, when he taunts. I am prompted to pray and praise instead of crumble in tears.

If, when I feel suffocated by the oppression of fear, I remember to breathe in deeply the Breath of Life.

If, when he expects me to raise my white flag in surrender, I instead raise the Truth as my victory.

Every single time, like William Wallace in Braveheart, I can cry out “Freedom!” and mean it.

Vision clears.

Perspective changes.

Paper chains fall off.

Courage emerges.

And I can get back to the business of joining my Jesus in what He is up to.

Hello, new day!  Let’s do this thing….

2 Timothy 1:7 – For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

John 16:33 –  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.