PRAYING
OUT OF FEAR

Topics: Anxiety; Confrontation; Fear; Help from God; Security in God; Sexual Immorality; Surrender; Temptation; Trust

References: Ephesians 4:15; 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:16; 4:2; James 5:19–20; 1 Peter 5:7

Carrie was an outgoing person with a quick smile and ready words of encouragement. But something told me all was not as it seemed. I learned this single Christian was in a compromising sexual situation. I quietly interceded for her for some time until the Holy Spirit prompted me to talk to her about it.

I met Carrie for coffee on a Saturday morning. After chatting for a few minutes, I said, “Carrie, I’ve been praying for you. I think the Lord is saying that you are trapped by fear. Am I hearing correctly?”

Carrie did not take long to react. She was indeed very afraid, she admitted. Finances were tight, almost desperate, for her. She was afraid of being alone. These fears were nearly consuming her. She had been trying to cope with everything on her own, which was carrying her further and further from God and from peace of mind.

While fear is a normal human reaction to danger, the sin of fear is a fleshly response to circumstances that seem beyond our control. I gently pointed this out to Carrie. When I suggested that she tell this to God, she wholeheartedly agreed. First, she confessed her sin of fear—her lack of trust in the Lord’s provision and presence and her quickness to turn to earthly substitutes. Then, without my saying a word, she tearfully confessed to God her temptation to enter into an immoral relationship because of the security it would provide.

I then took the opportunity ask God to pour out his comfort, love, provision, and presence on her. There was still practical follow-up to be done, to be sure. But it would be easier because the hard work of restoring Carrie’s heart had already started.

—Arlyn Lawrence, “The Other Great Commission?” Pray! (May–June 2006)