This First Response to Fear Changes Everything

Have you ever been able to sense that a dangerous threat is approaching? In such moments, it can be difficult to not give into fear. But we change our response when we start by finding strategy in the place of prayer.

We see this dynamic in the life of Queen Esther. She was a weapon of divine precision strategically hidden away in a palace when a man named Haman came against the people of Israel.

Haman’s pride had been wounded by one of the children of Israel, and he possessed an ever-growing desire for vengeance. He would not be satisfied until all the Jews were annihilated. He drew near to Esther’s husband, a foreign king, and designed a decree that threatened the lives of her people.

Though she was a queen, Esther realized something many have forgotten: none of us are isolated. Strength is given for the protection of the weak. So when she learned of the pending confrontation, Esther called out to God in fasting and prayer even before she met the enemy face to face. She declared:

Because she responded with bold faith, the queen and her people were protected from their wicked adversary.

What about you? If you are very intuitive, you often will sense danger when it is but an approaching shadow in the distance. In these situations, you have a choice: you can react in panic or you can act wisely. If we are wise, we will sound the horn and begin shooting arrows of prayer heavenward, letting them fall upon our foe while he is yet far off.

Unfortunately, this is not usually our first reaction. Instead of shooting arrows of prayer, we talk the problem over with others and allow it to expand and multiply in our minds. We lose perspective and drop our weapons.

I believe God is still carefully placing His royal children in places where they need to respond with strategic prayer. We hold influence with our King. If we use our favor and influence wisely, responding to threats and attacks with bold faith, we will secure not only our future but the futures of those around us.

Are you ready to step into the strategic position God has readied for you? This week, let’s pray:

 If you want to dig deeper into this topic, check out Lisa Bevere’s book Fight Like a Girl: The Power of Being a Woman.