I have gotten quite a few emails since last week’s post. Many of you, also, have struggled or currently struggle with fear. I felt like the Lord wanted me to share some other things I have done to combat fear. I’ll do that after telling the story.
I went to find one of the staff pastors and ask who he was. He told me the man’s name (which really, even his name was really, really creepy, promise! – If I told you, you would get the shivers!) that he was a “mountain man” who lived in the mountains, off the land and would come down on occasion to attend church. About this time I learned from one of our elder’s wives that this man had had a dream and in the dream he had seen his future wife, who was going to go back to the mountains with him – I looked just like her. Double creepy!
The Lord spoke to my heart and said, “Beware! Keep your eyes open! He will be back.” When the Lord gives a warning – we must take it seriously!!
My legs were trembling and I knew that if I tried the stairs I would fall. I waited till he had turned to go and whispered for Emma to run down and lock the door. She did it in a flash.
Anyway, to make a long story short, the next day he was back again. He was insistent that he was going to see me. Soon I was able to get a temporary protective order. Eventually I had a court date and The Stalker stood just feet from me. I trembled from the MS anyway, but really, my entire body shook. When the judge heard our case, I had to go up with the aid of my cane to stand before him. Then the judge had The Stalker come up to present his information. The Stalker wanted to know from the judge when the Permanent protective order would end. He said he wanted to talk to me. He wanted it to end so he could talk to me. The judge told him it was permanent. The man continued to question the judge as to when it would end. He went on to explain to the judge that he had been investigating Permanent Protective Orders and had learned that ones in California (supposedly) are only good for seven years.
After the hearing, I walked out of the courtroom with my Permanent Protective Order. Friends, I had been given a new opportunity to trust Almighty God or live in fear of this man who had obviously been sent by the enemy of my soul to strike fear in me anew. What would I do?
It would have been easy to cave to fear. A stalker who has the boldness to come inside your home, is a serious threat!! BUT God!!! See, God came to set us free from fear. He came so that we could live without chains. I refuse to go back to living in chains. The enemy did not want me to have an effective ministry here in our new city. BUT Remember my verse?
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to this yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
So how do we practically live free from fear? One way is to cast our cares on Him – continually. We must talk to Him about our cares. The other thing we MUST do is to fill our hearts and minds with God’s promises by memorizing scripture. I posted verses all over our home. When I sat down to pee (can I say that here?), there was a verse eye level right across from me. When I turned to get toilet paper, there was a verse posted above the TP holder. When I stood and did laundry, yup, another verse. On our bathroom mirror. Above the kitchen sink. On the refridgerator. On the walls, on the doors, on the mirrors, everywhere!! It is our weapon to fight back!! God’s word. His promises stand forever. God’s word says, “Though the grass withers and the flowers fade, His word abides FOREVER!” I want my mind saturated by His promises.
As I reflect on what God did during that season, I am reminded of His faithful protection. How He warned me when I first saw the man. How He warned me with the urgency to pray with Dw just moments before he entered our home. How He gave me the courage to order the man out, time after time, until he left. How He protected the next day. How He allowed the judge to grant both the temporary and eventually the Permanent Protective Order. How faithful He had been each step of the way. He once again showed Himself to me as my Miracle-working, Mountain-moving, Awe-inspiring, Gasp-giving God! How I praise His name!!There is no doubt that the God of the universe has a plan for each of our lives. And there is no doubt that the enemy of our souls has a plan as well….to enslave us in fear, discontentment, anger, bitterness, resentment, etc. We have a choice. We can live in freedom or not. We can surrender to God’s plan or not. It’s our choice.
What a creepy story!!! Praise God that your kids where with you!!
Yikes!!! Praise God for keeping you and your family safe.
I love having verses around the house. I stick our on top of the light switches:-)
thank you for this! So thankful for God's protection over you and your kids that day! I needed this…i have a stupid fear of flying. I know it sounds silly but the thought will keep me awake at night or get my heart pounding. i dont know if its a fear of heights or what. I try not to think about the 21 hour flight we will have to go to Uganda to bring home our baby girl because I am hoping by time it comes my fear will be less and I will just be so excited about getting there I won't think about it! I think I will have to bring lots of scripture to read over on the flight and lots of praying! I wish I didn't have this fear…i know God is in control of my life and nothing can happen without his say but for some reason it scares the crap out of me knowing i am that high up and what all could happen! thanks for this post!
Wow…thank you for sharing this. Just wow….
God is just so amazing…
Good timing on your post considering that we are flying to China Wednesday, and I HATE to fly anywhere much less that far away! This adoption journey is a walk of faith, and that is one of the biggest hurdles of all for me!
Could use your prayers for a safe, joyous, and uneventful journey to bring our little boy home.
Thank you for all of your encouragement and support during our second adoption.
Love in Christ,
Janet, Kevin, Ted, Philip, and soon, really soon to be home Eli
WOW! That gave me the creeps. But OH so awesome is our Lord and Savior! I love this post. I had been thinking about a post for my own blog. But was "afraid" to write it. Now I know I am supposed to…THANKS
Oh my goodness, that is chilling! I'm so sorry you had to go through that! I mean, I guess you learned from it, but I can't imagine. That's terrifying. Praise God He kept you safe!
Amen, Linny, Amen! Now I must know…or I might have missed it, what did you put in the memorial box?
Just a note, not to be petty. But, you came to Colorado in 2004, not 1994 🙂
Wow Linney, that's pretty scary! I got the creeps just reading about the creep!
You know this is a confirmation for me because I struggle with casting my anxieties on the Lord. I'm learning (not so easy) to just hand my fears, doubts, pretty much all of it, to the Lord and just have His peace settle within me. How can my issues be resolved if I don't completely surrender and trust Him? Thank you for your post, minus the creep of course!!
Linny— Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day!! I was encouraged by your sweet note! I have been inspired by your "Memorial Box Monday" blog entries and wrote my first Memorial Box blog post today and wanted to say thanks for the great idea!! I've had lots of questions about it and really had trouble finding a starting point but love that my kids will have tangible memoirs of God's goodness to us through it all!! Just wanted to send you a little note to let you know that you've blessed me and encouraged me through your blog.
Hope your day is blessed as well,
AMY NEWSOM
AMY NEWSOM
What a powerful testimony Linny! A few years back the Lord gave me that very same scripture to break the bondage of fear over my life. I have such a passion in sharing that same revelation to the many woman I meet who are entangled by fear! Oh how wonderful the strength of His love is that chases away all our fears!!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Love Janine
Oh Linny! I absolutely have to catch my breath over this story! I know it happened a long time ago but I am SO GRATEFUL God gave you the courage to STAND and then move on without fear!
I used to put verses all around the house but have gotten out of the habit…I think I need to get BACK AT IT.
Thank you.
Forgive me if you get duplicate comments. My computer is acting funny 🙂 Again, I enjoyed your post. YES, this situation is creepy! But confirmation for me. I was "afraid" to make a post on our blog (about something totally different)but now I know I am supposed to (fear is fear right?). You are a great writer. Definately a God given talent!
Sorry but all I can think about is that it happened in 2004 and the seven years he was so set in his mind about will be up next year. Could this itself be a warning to you. Where is that man now ?
Thank you for being real, my friend. For sharing your stories and putting your heart out there.
We are growing and learning! God is using you!
I understand.(fear, not the terror you experienced with the strnager.) Last night, heart beating in my throat while a past event replayed in my mind over and over. I kept reciting the song "it is well with my soul" over and over until I fell asleep.
Reading this gave me chills. Thank you.
Ewww…that is so creepy. So thankful that God kept you safe. He is so amazing!
Oh my, you have the most amazing stories. I just can't imagine having a male stranger (and a creepy one who has made comments about you) in my house with my kids. Ugh! Praise God for giving you the strength and courage to stand up to him and for protecting you and your family.
I never miss a post, although many days I'm too tired to comment. Happy belated birthday to your precious Elijah. I hope he's better soon. (By the way, my sweet hubby can't preheat an oven so I'm taking your idea and buying him an apron.)
I posted some fun family ideas on my blog today and referenced your applause for the chef idea with a link to your blog. Hope that's okay. Your idea is too fun–just had to share it.
I hope you and your family are doing well and everyone is adjusting beautifully with the additions of Jubilee and Uncle Mark. I'm keeping the situation with the water damage in my prayers as well. May God use it for His glory.
Much Love,
Kathie
That was creepy. I had a vision of what the man looked like and could picture the whole scene. Thank you for the story!
This is so creepy, yet our God is so faithful. Thank you for sharing this. I love how you've got scripture verses everywhere. Hugs and love
What a creepy, scary story! Thankfully God was your protection that day!
Thank you for this post. It was no coincidence that I came across it. I have been living in fear of cancer taking me from my babies. I like the idea of filling our home with scripture. Thank you!
Blessings,
Robin
As you know I can really really relate to this post. When I had my experience, I was not a true believer, I thought I was a Christian but did not live for Him and did not have a personal relationship with Christ. And yet He protected me. I admit I still take precautions (no name on internet, no pictures etc) but I now give thanks for His protection over the last several years. Once we study His words, we just learn so much about His constant protection. As always, thank you Linny.
Thank you for this post! I have been dealing with anxiety attacks since by baby was born. It has been taking away my joy and each day is a struggle. I am seeing a Christian therapist because it has gotten so out if hand. I am going to start posting scripture all over my house so I can start claiming freedom from the burden of fear/anxiety!