Last night I had an unsettling dream…
My sister and I were walking through the woods on a path leading home. We were laughing and exchanging stories like we usually do.
Suddenly a bright orange snake appeared on the trail near to us. We hurried past hoping to avoid any confrontation with the menacing creature.
Unexpectedly my legs gave out and I collapsed into the middle of the path. The snake hissed and snapped its angry jaws towards me as I threw handfuls of white pebbles at its face, hoping to scare it away.
Fear and desperation began to rise in my throat as I tried to drag myself along the path with my hands.
Then, through the thickening fog of fear – gentle as morning sunlight, I heard:
“Why don’t you just tell it to go away?”
Without a second thought, I stared the snake in the eye and commanded:
“Go away.”
The snake’s mouth clamped shut and it slithered off.
Then I woke up.
As I let the drowsiness of night fade along with the icky feelings of fear, letting the wonder of morning lead me into a new day –
I asked Papa-God what this dream was about:
“There is authority in your voice,” He said.
And then He reminded me of the a potentially disastrous situation with a pack of dogs a few weeks ago, as well as an uncomfortable evening in Morocco earlier this year.
In all these circumstances, it wasn’t until I turned my heart towards God for help and spoke out loud what I heard Him say that everything changed.
“…for we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he HAS chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with POWER, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 [emphasis mine]
I know that it’s not the specific words I said that put a stop to these situations.
It was the power and authority of Christ living in me, breathing across my response of faith that shifted these circumstances.
It’s about being in alignment with His heart for me that saved the day.
And its about recognizing my position of authority because of His position in me.
Sometimes it’s easier to react in fear than to respond in faith…
But the truth is: Because Christ lives in me – faith and trust is my new default setting and fear is a bad habit that’s breaking.
Are you in a situation that is stirring up fear and desperation in your life?
Ask God to give you words to speak over the situation.
Listen for what He says.
Write it down.
And then speak it (out loud!!!!) with faith knowing that He wants the best for you.
Then tell me what happens! I’m curious. 😀
