Fears

One topic frequently showed up in my conversations with neighbors and friends in our season serving in the tropics. 

The spirit world. 

Most lived their lives governed by underlying fears.  And practiced appeasing or diverting evil spirits. 

Rituals. Amulets. Power rings. Strategically-placed offerings.

And memorized prayers whispered in Arabic. 

Fears

Eve* and I saw one another often. And talked about many different things. 

We laughed a lot together as I learned language and culture and local ways of doing life.

As our relationship and my language ability grew, she began to delve into more sensitive topics. 

Personal struggles. Fears. 

Stories from her childhood.

Fearful one

One day, Eve said, “I’m a coward. A ‘fearful one.’”

Then told me why. What started it all.

One night, when she was ten years old, Eve was walking home from the well where they drew water. Their village was surrounded by rice fields. No electricity. No lights to illuminate the neighborhood or the narrow lane she traveled.

Suddenly a scary being appeared in front of her on the path. And would not let her pass.

She said it was in the form of a person, but hollow. With glowing red eyes.

Eve screamed in terror. And couldn’t stop.

Fears remained

Somehow she managed to get home. But stayed inconsolable, trembling. So afraid.

Her father called in a person considered an authority of the spirit world. And this man decided she’d probably encountered a spirit of the water source.

Ritual prayers were spoken to keep the evil spirit away. The water source eventually dried up, she said.

But now, years later, deep fears remained. In Eve.

Jesus

That night, I gently shared with her the Good News of Jesus. Again. 

This time recounting a story of His authority over evil spirits. And how He sets people free from fear when they choose to follow Him.

She listened. But resisted the invitation. This free gift of eternal life.

And remained in darkness. Choosing to stay in her religion and rituals. 

Afraid, really, of leaving the familiar.

Darkness

Afterwards, whenever she was feeling anxious or fearful, Eve asked me to pray. And I prayed. Often. For her to walk out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

We left that place and lost contact with her. But I still prayed. Asking God to remind her of His Truth.

Sometimes, the veil that covers hearts seems impenetrable. 

Darkness can feel tangible. And impossible.

But not too long ago, I heard from friends that Eve has chosen to follow Jesus. 

Keep praying

Keep praying for people living in the dark. In fear.

Pray for open hearts. To hear the Truth. See His light. 

And find the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: ‘But the righteous one will live by faith” (Romans 1:16-18).

What about you?

How do you pray for those held captive by fear? Is there someone you need to start praying for today?

Related

Unexpected – Equip in the spiritual battle – Colorful darkness – Be alert and pray – Resilience – Limited space – What’s your name? – Keep singing – Romans 1:16-18 – 

*Name changed.