Have you ever felt crippled by fear? Maybe it was triggered by a specific experience, or perhaps by a racing thought. Either way, it felt real—and for a moment, hopeless.

If this resonates even slightly, read on as I reflect on one of the most difficult spiritual battles I’ve faced. In one of my darkest moments, I encountered God in a uniquely powerful way.

But what if…

A week after having my second baby, I lay in bed, hyperventilating at the thought of losing one of my children—or even leaving them motherless. My 16-month-old son had contracted RSV just a day after we came home with his newborn sister, and I was recovering from a c-section. Fear overwhelmed me: what if the baby got sick? What if I had a complication?

As I tried to calm myself with slow, deep breaths, I heard God say, “Trust the Lord with all your heart.”

The enemy whispered, “But what if…what if God still takes one of your babies?”

Again, God replied, “Trust the Lord with all your heart.”

For at least an hour, I wrestled with the goodness of God and the schemes of the enemy. 

Three Truths I Learned in the Battle

#1 In the darkness, God provides truth and light through the Holy Spirit and His Word (John 16:13).

I was never alone in my fears. Through His Spirit, God brought to mind the scripture, “Trust the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5), exactly when I needed it to fight the lies of Satan. God’s Word reminded me of His eternal hope and faithfulness. He does not abandon His people. He patiently walks with us through both internal and external battles, guiding us back to hope, peace, and joy.

#2 The enemy flees when you resist him and submit to the Lord (James 4:7).

As I proclaimed God’s truth, there was no room for the lies of the devil. Jesus gives life abundantly (John 10:10-21), while the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Repeating God’s Word and resisting fear allowed me to eventually find peaceful sleep. The next day, I studied the Word I had received and continued equipping myself to stand firm. God always wins.

#3 Knowing these truths doesn’t mean you’ve mastered fear.

I still wrestle with fear today, and I know I’m not alone. I am humbled that God uses His Holy Spirit, His Word, and fellow believers to bring me back to truth. Jesus clothes me with righteousness regardless of my faithfulness. I continue to fight the good fight, grateful for forgiveness as I battle my flesh and embrace the Spirit.

An Exhortation to You

The “what ifs” are schemes of the enemy, while God’s truths bring peace. God says:

“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Outcomes may be uncertain, but God is always trustworthy. He has already given you the ultimate gift of freedom and healing through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Choose to trust God regardless of circumstances. Let His proven love and faithfulness be your anchor, even when fear whispers otherwise.

Reflect and Connect

1. When have you felt Satan attack your faith?
2. How have you seen God work in those dark times?
3. What scripture(s) bring you peace during trials?