Recently I experienced a flare up of my old Lyme symptoms. One doctor told me years ago that I no longer deal with active disease, just the residual effects of the disease. I have daily joint pain and occasional neurological flare-ups. I’ve come a long way in my healing and health since those sick years, and my struggle through that valley has left a lasting imprint on my heart.
On one hand, I took countless spoils from that battle. My trust in God has deepened over time. I now understand how fragile and fleeting this life can be. I’m quicker to see things from an eternal perspective.
However, I also carry with me the baggage of fear.
Crawling through that valley, battling sickness and the financial hardship that accompanied it, all while trying to care for three little boys, sends me in a tailspin of fear from time to time. Even now, with my kids grown and a full plate of ministry duties, I pick up fear when remnants from my past reappear.
Can you relate?
So during my recent flare-up of symptoms, I cried out to God, “Oh, Lord, I long for perfect and total healing so I will no longer fear sickness and disease!” And just as quickly the Lord spoke these words to my heart: What makes you think that once you’re healed completely, you won’t struggle with fear of sickness and disease? These are two separate things. I’ve equipped you to take on the fear, so slay that dragon. And entrust your health, and all of your cares to Me. I will sustain you.
Talk about a light bulb moment!
Think about how the enemy works. When he attaches fears to our concerns, he backs us into a corner until we feel helpless and powerless to do anything about our circumstance.
For me, when fear rises up because my face has gone numb, I want to panic because I can’t make my symptoms go away. But when I separated my fear from my health and decided, I can do something about this fear, I took the power away from the enemy and began to see my circumstance with greater clarity, and even peace.
In Luke 10:19 Jesus tells us that He has given us authority over ALL the power of the enemy. He’s given us authority. So we need to take authority.
Jesus wants us to entrust our concerns to Him, for He cares for us.
But He’s also equipped us for battle. Over and over scripture gives us this charge: Do. Not. Fear.
Pay attention next time you feel stirred up in fear because a current circumstance mirrors a past pain or hardship. Maybe it’s your marriage, your finances, your sense of identity and acceptance. Maybe it’s your job. Where do you tend to feel weak, vulnerable, and unsettled?
Step back, pick up your shield and sword (See Ephesians 6) and slay that dragon of fear! Then cast your cares on the Lord, for He will sustain and strengthen you.
Then, simply do the next thing He tells you to. He’ll get you where you need to go. Just walk boldly and confidently forward in faith.
Overwhelming victory is yours because you belong to Him.
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 NKJV
Dear Jennifer,
So sorry that I just saw this! Please let me know how this turns out for you. You can email me directly at Susie@MyFaithRadio.com – God bless you, dear one! God is with you!
Please pray for my next step…going in today to talk about options regarding spots found on my ovaries. As a mommy to 2, homeschooled babies, I’m begging for strength, joy and good health to reign over me, so I can fully absorb them and shine love and excitement.
Dear Rebecca,
I’m so proud of you. I know that fear well. And you are right, it can become a vicious cycle. But once we learn how to stand against the fear and entrust the cause of our fear to the Lord, we find ourselves strengthened amidst the battle. May God deliver you and heal you in every way! Bless you!
Amazing. I am awake at 2:40, aching, tempted to fear and dispair. I feel close to defeat. I have too many fears surrounding my health. The Enemy shows up with his lies. That makes the pain worse. What a terrible cycle. I do want to be free of fear. I will step back. I will put on my armor. I need The Lord to step in and save me. I feel too weak to win this on my own.
Wow. So encouraging!!! I too struggle with Lyme. Physically I am so much better but the neuro symptoms can be bad. The nervousness inside, the fear, the condemnation. The fear tries to attack in so many ways. Once I fight the fear of sickness it seems to hit me as fear of always doing wrong. It’s so strange. Never struggled with anxiety like this before Lyme. Did abx for a while. Now doing natural treatment. Your right though. Even though fear may be greater with the illness, I am learning to recognize it and therefore can go against it.
You go, Dwana! You’re brave, even when you don’t feel like it. 🙂 The fact that you have to fight this battle is proof that God is strengthening you in it. May peace continually mark your life (and mine) in every way. God bless you, dear one!
Hi Dwana:
Just by coincidence we got same family name.
I live in Israel,where do you live?,could it be we are family?
Regards
Arie
Powerful words Susie! Thank you so much. Fear can be a constant companion for those with chronic Lyme or any chronic disease. Everyone’s situation with lyme is so very different. Much of my misgiving as a mom of one who suffers with lyme is not being able to give her the treatment she needs. There are so many things I would do if I could. The lyme literate medical doctors we have seen know best how to treat it but are very expensive and not covered with insurance. I often fight guilt knowing we should be doing so much more to get better control over it. But that, too, is a tactic of the enemy. As my daughter has gone through so many stages with this disease; sorrow, anger, feeling of loss, pain, God has been there giving her the assurance that He wastes nothing and that there is pain in the purpose. When she came to that understanding hope arose within her. Somedays this is easier to except than others but I hold on to his word that pain endures for a night but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) Thank you again for your reminder that we cannot let the enemy have a foot hold with fear. If it says “do not fear” 365 times in the Bible, God knew that this would be something we would need to daily conquer through his power.
Dear Kim,
You’re an amazing momma! I’m so glad she has you! May God continue to give you divine wisdom and direction regarding everything your girl needs (and what to avoid if it’s not for you). There are so many opinions, ideas, and remedies that may work for one but not the other. I’m glad she has such a grounded momma who walks closely with the Lord. And may she know complete healing sooner than later! Bless you!
Wow! I, too, struggle with Lyme Disease and other Co-infections and I can a 100% relate to everything you mentioned!!! Fear has been struggle of mine for as long as I could remember. It got worse when I became sick because those neurological symptoms can sure put you in a state of panic.The Lord has helped me overcome a lot of my fears but there are still some that linger. For me I have to to pick my shield and sword and slay that dragon of fear everyday!!! Praying for your health, Susan! Did you see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor? They’re the ones that know how to treat this illness as it is very complicated and controversial! I would highly suggest seeing one rather than an infectious disease specialist! Blessings!
http://Www.rootedinsalt.com
Dear Aisha,
I’m so glad you’ve overcome your fears and sickness. May God heal and restore you fully. God bless you, dear sister!