The devil schemes to take over our lives even though, in faith, we have been empowered in Christ to overcome our “former selves.”

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5: 17, NLT

This is serious stuff. We are in a battle every day. There’s a reason that the most common greeting from God’s messengers in scripture is “Don’t be afraid.” God said it to Gideon and his tiny army (Judges 7), to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 20), and it’s what Jesus said to the disciples on a wave-tossed boat in the middle of a stormy lake (Matthew 14). God has the same message for us, “Don’t be afraid.”

To us, fear may appear to be a prudent reaction to danger but it is actually a serious firewall that stands between us and the flames of our faith. Remember, fear is the devil’s weapon. It controls our thoughts and actions. Here are a few examples:

• Even though you know how to swim, you are still afraid of bodies of water.
• You know your neighbor’s dog is friendly, but when it barks, you cower behind the fence.
• You can debate Biblical themes and theology, but don’t recognize that it is God who picks you up and carries you when you can’t go on.

The devil knows that the deep canyon between head knowledge about God and a relationship with God is a great place for an ambush. Head knowledge might include attending a once-a-week church service, the ability to recite the names of the books of the Old and New Testaments, or enough knowledge to explain the fine points of theology. On the other hand, a relationship with God is a daily conversation, a hand-in-hand walk through the garden of your life, and a desire to be in God’s presence. Head knowledge is good, but it is not enough.

But, do not be afraid. God’s got your back.