Disclaimer: If you are new to our Place Called Simplicity, then I would ask that you skip this post. Please. It is written only for those who have been ‘hanging around’ for awhile and have heard my heart repeatedly. The friends who ‘know me’. The friends who love me.
And if you are a true friend whose been stopping by our Place Called Simplicity for “coffee on the porch” for awhile, but you were unable to read the Memorial Box Monday post from two days ago, then I ask that you please, go back and read that first. You will not really understand this without reading that.
This is one of the most dramatic things that has ever happened in my life. It is NOT intended for the faint of heart. I am sharing it so that others will indeed walk in freedom. I am sharing it only to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ, my Lord and my King. He is always faithful and completely trustworthy.
On that note – here goes:
As I mentioned in the post two days ago, the second anniversary of the fire {1/14/11} was the day I was {once again} set free from fear.
I remember when I was set free from fear the first time, all the way back in 1980. At that time {1980} I faced one of my largest fears that very day. I am confident that one of the keys to walking in freedom from fear is to face the fear{s}. Think about it, I can say, “I’m set free, but if I don’t do anything that would normally cause me fear, then I’m just talkin, right?”
So the very next day after praying with JD, Irma and Carie was Saturday January 15, 2011 and all the kids wanted to spend the night at Grandma’s. My mom has never had all the little ones spend the night. Several at a time, but not all. I was speaking both services the next day and wanted the evening to ‘tweak’ and spend time with the Lord. BUT I had never stayed home alone all night long.
When you have a boatload of kids, the house is never empty. So even though I had no problem with Dw traveling, I had never had opportunity to be completely alone over night. Ever.
Being as the very day before I had repented of the fear with my sweet friends, I really believed that this was the Lord’s opportunity for me. I was actually {cautiously} excited!
As the shadows began to fall, I just started to praise Him. I had a beautiful fire going in the wood stove and I moved my bear chair and footstool around so I could see the fire better. I asked the Lord for a special verse, just for me. He instantly led me to a chapter. Instantly. It was awesome! I was marveling at His grace and love for me. One of the first verses in the chapter started with, “Do not be afraid…” Oh sweet words…
Early in the evening Autumn texted me, “What are you doing?” I told her. She immediately called me. She said, “Are you okay? Do you want me to come stay with you?” I told her that I wanted to face the fear and so although I was so grateful for her thoughtfulness, I was gonna’ face it alone. She told me she would keep her cell on beside her bed and if I needed her at any point, to just call and she would come right over. I love that girl of mine!!!
Anyway, I was loving my time alone. Having the wood stove I went out about every hour to the porch to get wood. On a sidenote: When I told my Abigail what happened that night, she was incredulous: “Mom! You are overcoming fear, but what in the world are you doing going out on the porch every hour?” I said, “I was walking in freedom….no fear whatsoever!”
Somewhere around 10 pm I went out on the porch to get more wood. As I picked up a bundle of wood, I felt such an urge to look in the den window. It was weird. I knew it had to be the Lord. So I peered in the window of the dark room. I looked to see what someone looking in the window would see. I could see the family room {kind of}. Hmmm. Okay, whatever. I just took the wood inside and didn’t think anything else.
I read my Bible. I worshipped. I thought about life. I prayed. I even dozed a bit. Then about 11:15 pm I went out to get some more wood. As I was coming into our foyer from the porch, all of a sudden I saw a bright blue light off to my right. BRIGHT BLUE. I remember wrinkling up my face and saying outloud, “What in the world?” So I turned to my right where the little double doors to the den were open and I’m sure my eyes almost popped out of head!!
There, to my shock, I saw what the BRIGHT BLUE light was! The TV was now on!!
Looking back, I am certain that the Lord wanted me to look in the den window the hour before to see that there had not been any TV on. It was just a dark room!
Back to the bright blue light of the TV….let me just say….this TV is over in the far corner of the room. It was used by Uncle Mark when he was here last year. It has been used a handful of times since then to play video games, but really, it hadn’t been used or turned on for months. MONTHS. I stood there looking. Probably my mouth was gaping.
It had never, ever, ever gone on itself. How could it? It is not on a timer, it is just a little tv sitting in a corner. And the even weirder thing was that the room was full of stuff. To get to it one would have to climb over things. Not.Even.Kidding.
Here was my test. I totally believe it was the enemy sent to strike terror in me! What would I do?
I am so thankful to tell you what I did. First, I had overwhelming peace. Truly, it was “a peace that passes understanding.” Really. I think back in amazement. There was not a fiber in my being that panicked. Not.One. I did not feel like running. I did not feel like screaming. I had complete peace.
So here’s what I did: I stood there and softly said, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There is something about your name.” {The enemy hates Jesus’ name. He HAS to flee!}
I walked into the family room whispering softly the name of Jesus. I thought, “This is likely the weirdest thing I have ever encountered.” And then {again} I said softly outloud, “Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.”
I decided to go in the den and shut off the TV. I walked in there and can tell you that {still} I felt complete peace. Isn’t that victory?
Seriously.
I was conquering fear at that very moment!
I had to climb over some furniture {it is a catch all for the stuff that needs to be taken to the shed, Christmas decoration boxes, etc.}…and I reached the TV and turned it off.
{Incidentally, it has not randomly come on since either.}
Anyway, I came back to my chair speaking softly Jesus’ name. I texted Carie. I said, “U up?” I told her in the text briefly what had happened.” Immediately my cell rang. We talked for a few minutes and prayed together. She asked if I wanted her to come over. I declined. I wanted to spend the night alone.
I continued to feel peace the entire time.
I finished up my sermon preparation and got ready for bed. I prayed {outloud} as I climbed into our big log bed that the Lord’s ministering angels would fill our bedroom and minister to me as I slept. I thanked the Angel of the Lord for being present.
Believe it or not, I fell to sleep instantly and slept the entire night through.
I awoke so excited!! I had done it!!
I had had victory!! Even when a test came, I did not panic or run. I called upon my sweet Savior and He gave me incredible peace.
Seriously friends…you {who like me} have been enslaved to fear. Time to pray with family or a friend and ask God to give you strength to face your fears. He wants you to have victory. He’s not gonna’ set you up to fail. He loves you {and me} too much!! He is faithful – completely!! He is always trustworthy.
So when Dw and the kids came home from Africa I told them about what had happened. We prayed. And tonight {just before typing this post} we went through every single room in our home {and walked three acre boundaries of our property} and anointed it with oil and dedicated it {again} to Him.
To God be the Glory – Great Things He HAS Done!!
Linny, this is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing. It does inspire me to pray about my own fears. I also really like the idea of dedicating the rooms in our house to the Lord. I'm going to talk to my husband about doing that.
Linny- Thank you- What a testimony to God's love in action in your life during this time of testing.
I am praying and looking for God to do deliverance in my life–
Tomorrow is food box day and I decided to put an early Valentines card in each box. It is the My Child poem that is just full of God promises and his tender whispers of love. It was so good to reread and be reminded of just what being His Child is all about and I pray that each one that reads it will get a glimpse of His love for them too.
bee blessed
mary
oh what a mighty God we serve! I've been realizing the last couple of days that I have fear about never getting married. It makes maintaining interest in someone difficult.(fear of rejection) I realize it could have more to do with the fact that i am 33 and single than the timing of the Lord.
He loves his children and will give us all we desire!
Wow, I live alone and that would have freaked me out! Good for you!
I, too, repeat Jesus' name when I am afraid or in need.
Omgoodness linny!! What courage you show! While you were explaining the situation I was immediately anxious, worried, and began to fear for you. I guess I still have some fears to lift up to the Lord… Thanks for opening my eyes!
Linny – Oh girl. I have so much to say. I don't comment often, and truly I've not been reading here long. I came by back when y'all had the fire but then drifted away.
How I wish I could just pick up the phone and call you because I have so much to say. So much of what you've written over the last two weeks has been words from the Lord that I needed to read.
I don't struggle with fear the same way you do, but I struggle none the less. I fully believe what you've written (and I know, I didn't follow directions b/c I read anyway, even though I'm not a long time reader) and I have no doubt the Lord filled your home with angels standing shoulder to shoulder. Oh He loves us so much.
Thank you for being bold enough to speak truth even when the world will look at you and call you crazy. Bless you friend. Bless the Lord!
Good for you! Don't ya just love to repeat the beautiful name of Jesus!
Thank you for being so honest. I hve been reading for about 4 months now and you hve been such an encouragement to me. I struggle with the fear of rejection. It is something I feel I constantly have to give back to God. Thank you for "voicing" it out loud and challenging the rest of us.
Ohmyword. What a testimony to our wonderful Lord! Just reading that sent terror straight to my heart. I COMPLETELY understand what you go through when you're home alone.
You are so brave!!! You did it!!!
Oh my goodness what an awesome testimony!
I have to tell you Linny, that after I read your blog the other day the Lord revealed to me that fear is my enemy as well. I ahve never recognized it before. I babysit for my income and we are dependent on it. It isn't enough to conver our expenses each month, but we always seem to make it. I lost one child I keep after Christmas, but it seemed like it would be okay. Yesterday after I read your post another parent came in and said she was moving her child due to the cost. This leaves me with only 2 children that come part time. It will cause us to have a large deficit each month. I immediately began to panic and as I did I could hear the Lord whisper "this is fear". Over the past day he has pointed out to me everywhere I harbor fear over my faith. It's everywhere.It's pilling out over everything. I can see it now. I see it everywhere. I feel it. I recognize it. I prayed for God to release me from this fear and He immediately sent me to Matthew 6:25-34. He is so good. Only He could know. He has began to point out this fear even back to my childhood. I see how it has strained my relationships and how it shapes my days at home. He also showed me that I am holding on to grief. I am praying for healing.
Thank you so much for sharing. It opened my eyes to my own fear.
I had tears in my eyes when I read what happened. Thanking Him for the peace He has given you. He will never leave us or forsake us… He is faithful that hath promised. 🙂
Praise YHWH!!! 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing, Linny.
It made me smile to think at how satan tried to crash your peace and how it doesn't make a dent with Christ on your side. No crack, no ooz, we know who wins and it ain't satan (yep, I'm a home school mom and said ain't…lol). Thank you for sharing this. The direct assault just shows how powerful God is and how satan doesn't like that we've taken what he feels should be his. Hugs and again, thank you for sharing!
Really, just wonderful, Linny! Isn't our God so very faithful to deliver us in our time of need?! Fear enslaves so many people…He has come to set us free!!
Blessings,
Sarah
What a great testimony Linny, the enemy is never a fair foe, but greater is He who is in us that he that is in the world.
I had something similiar happen to me years back with our alarm system, while my hubby was away on a trip.
It was the Lords way of showing me the alarm system was an idol for me,
cause I trusted it more than the Lord.
God is so faithful to help us and clean us up!!
thanks for sharing that great testimony, we need to hear those desperately.
Blessings, Nellie
Thanks for every thing Linny!
Hugs!
Linny – I've been reading your blog a few months and am sorry I have not left a comment before now. You are so inspirational and have given me the courage to start another adoption at an age I could be a grandma! Thank you for your own little ministry here!
Blessings,
Karen
Oh Linny, THANK YOU for having the courage to share this story. It was EXACTLY the message I need to hear today. right now. this exact minute. Thank you for being faithful to our Lord, for being willing to step out of your comfort zone to serve God.
I've literally spent the past 27 days (starting on New Years Day) telling the TRUTH, facing fears that I've tried to hide from, shove away for 16 years. It's time for me to live in the light, to tell the truth, to face my fears. Seriously, you have know idea how perfectly timed this post was, it completely ministered to my heart.
It is so beautiful to see a woman of such faith, trusting in God, thank you for setting such an example.
I hold a beautiful image of angels standing wing to wing surrounding you and your home, keeping you safe and protected.
What an amazing testimony! I am praising God with you!! Thank you for sharing your heart and thank God for keeping you safe!
Awesome!! We so often let fear stand in the way and your testimony is such an encouragement to take God at His Word and just walk out on it. Love you sweet friend.
God is good! Thank you for sharing your heart and being such a testimony for the rest of us!
Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. In the past when you have written about many of us readers fearing something, I have never been able to admit that there are things I fear. After reading this post I have realized I am not being honest with myself. I am afraid of living alone in an apartment/house. I have done it before, but subsequently moved back in with family. In my current safe space, it is so easy to forget the fear. I am looking to move out again in the not too distant future though, and you have made me realize how important it is to deal with the feelings of fear head on. I also know there are other things I fear that I need to admit and work through. Thank you, Linny. You are a blessing.
Wow Linny! Thank you so much for sharing this story. I didn't post the other night when I read the MBM post and I am sorry for that. It immediately brought to mind my own fear – being alone in my house overnight (even with my children, who are all little). Ugh! Reading your post tonight made me so scared. I guess I need to start praying for freedom from my fears as my husband will be going out of town for several nights in the next couple of months. I am amazed by your strength! Just incredible! Thank you for this!
Thank you for being bold to share this. I struggle with fear… in the realms of anything "weirdly" supernatural or anything creepy that could happen while I'm by myself. I've had to spend the night alone when hubby is gone but I just distract myself and go to bed early. I pray that some day God would help me conquer it but that's a scary thing to think about because that means facing it. Thank you for sharing. There is always hope in Jesus.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your testimony. The sweatest of all names got you through. May we all put our faith in Him for all the strength we need.
What a wonderful testimony of God's faithfulness and how saying the name of Jesus brings us such peace. Beautiful!! Hugs and love
You have written about so many things that have made my skin crawl but this story wins! I love how evident He was in that situation! And I love being reminded to just call out His name in the face of the enemy. Thank you for sharing your heart.
That is so powerful, Linny. I was thinking how scared I'd be in your shoes, but it is so powerful that you overcame it. Thank you for sharing.
What an amazing testimony of the glory of God! My fear has always been that we would not have enough money. Silly I know because He has always provided. We found out recently that the family renting our home will be moving out. We are concerned since we are in the military and our single family income will not cover rent as well as a mortgage payment. I was working it out in my own head due to an overwhelming sense of panic until God brought to mind your Memorial Box from the other day. Then I felt Him press upon me that I need to trust Him. None of this is a surprise and He WILL take care of us. No matter what it looks like. I need to worship Him. So tonight I worship the One I call ABBA. Thank you for your transparency. It's a risk and one that I am thankful that you took. Many blessings to you.
Oh Linny this spoke to me! Beautiful beautiful!
Thank you for sharing!
Praise God!
YAY Linny! Big hugs from me to you. Thanks for being open and sharing. It's beautiful.
I don't often have time to comment since I have limited internet access, but I just had to pop out and say HUGS! 🙂
WOW!! I am A.MAZED. You were so brave, that night and again in sharing this, with strangers like me who desperately need to hear your words. These past several posts of yours have helped me to see that I have a fear problem. I never thought this about myself before. I was deceived.
There do not seem to be words to explain how grateful I am to you for helping me to realize this.
Now I need to find the courage to face these nameless and pervasive fears.
Thanks for helping!!
Thank you for sharing. Your posts always challenge me to walk deeper in my relationship with Jesus. Thank you.
Wow, what a story!! That is amazing and awesome!! Praise Jesus!!
What an amazing story. It encourages me to take my anxieties and fears to the Lord and allow Him to help me work through them.
Thank you so much for sharing this with all of your blog friends.
Hey Linny,
So enjoyed your posts. In my bible study this week I was reminded that we are not promised to be free of pain or sorrow but we are promised that we do not HAVE to walk in fear.I have struggled with fear as I have had some weird virus since returning from Africa to bring our daughter home last summer. It seemed to go away for awhile and then came back. With each twinge of pain I would be fearful of the future. I decided during bible study last week that with each twinge of pain I would lift praises up instead… Amazing how your perspective changes, like you said, just saying the NAME of JESUS!your posts were just further confirmation of what God was whispering to my heart..that HE has got this and I need NOt fear!!!
Love you friend!! Look forward to meeting you one day…maybe on a GO team trip! I don't know if I will make this first one but it is on my radar! One of my best girlfriends is a pastor's wife and has never gone on an international mission trip but feels called to go to Haiti. I think she would enjoy meeting you! Who knows. Maybe you will lead a women's trip to Haiti one day!
Blessings!
Shannon
So amazing, so awesome, so powerful, SO GOD!! Thanks for sharing this very special victory!
♥ you!
WOW, Linny!! I have to say, I'm sitting here alone(w/ 6 kids;)) at 11:30 pm…and honestly, after reading this…I'm scared! I can honestly say I don't trust the Lord like I should! OH MY! I think I'll just keep writing till my husband comes home..so, would you like to hear my life story???? JK..kind of…Jesus, Jesus, Jesus….:)
Linny, my heart stopped as I read this!! The fear that I have always fought in my life sprung up as I was reading. I can totally relate with what you were dealing with. I've had my times of overcoming the fear and have to pray every time my DH is not home for the night. I've had the opportunity quite a few times over the years, and can thankfully say that the Lord has walked me through alot. Thank you so much for sharing! Jesus….There is just something about that name:O) I sing this song to my kids every night. I want them to know that there is POWER in His name and that the enemy HAS to flee. They've had the opportunity to test this out a lot in their little lives and I'm so happy to say that they believe it too!!
I'm SO proud of you Linny!!!! Thank You Jesus for walking my friend through the fire and healing her. We love you Lord!!
Much love!
jenn
Praising God with you for the victory.
Christy
linny, reading this through tears. so happy for you. for your victory. for God's amazing love and His promise to the rest of us released through you! thank you again for your honesty and your vulnerability. so amazing!! His name is so powerful and so is His love. hooray!
Wow- what a great post. Thank you for sharin! I've definitely been battling fears over the years that have held me back in life greatly. But I am determined to work past them all this year too!
Powerful! Amazing. Thank you, Jesus! Love you!
Holly in OKC
God is so good!!! Way to walk it out in faith, and because of your faith you are healed! Wow. What a great story and Glory to His mighty name. Bless you, you are making a big difference in this world for so many! Thanks for your transparency and your testimony.
YAHOO!!! GOD ROCKS! So very happy for you LInny. Rejoicing!! I JUST LOVE ANSWERED PRAYER!!!
Blessings,
Suzanne
I don't think I have left a comment on here before but I just couldn't resist tonight. I truly, truly understand the fear that you have spoken of and praise God to hear of how His love carried you through your night alone. Fear has been the one thing that has gripped my life for as long as I can remember. I find that even now, as a mom of 2 young boys, that it has begun to seep into their lives as well. As my boys were napping today, I started thinking about my life and realized that literally EVERY major decision I have made to date has been fear-based to some degree. I finally realized that I have been relying on my own strength and knowledge to "protect"(as if I really could…) myself from any unknown harm for so long, that I wasn't authentically seeking Christ's will for my life but rather calling the safest option available "God's will". Your willingness to share your heart has been one way that God has used to tenderly show me that I can be free from these chains of fear if I will fall into His loving arms and trust God Almighty to be who He says He is. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. There aren't any words strong enough to thank you for your vulnerability. God bless you!
You go girl!
And just think–you are conquering your fear by posting this post. By sharing you strength, and your dedication to God.
You're a very brave person, and I have no doubt that the Lord has sent you to share the word of the Lord.
🙂 Thanks!
Linny, my sweet friend, i thank God for you. You are always bold in your faith and God has you post things like this for "Such a time as this" in my life. i'm so glad to know you!
You know the fear that is present in my life right now about my Audra. We are prayerfully leaving on Saturday to drive to CA, (just the 4 of us girls) so that she can be helped with her anorexia. Will you pray for us. She is afraid, yet so aware that she needs more help than we can get here. Will you also pray for our trip, (and there is something else too, but, it will remain unnamed here).
Thank you my friend.
Rejoicing in your victory!!!
Love,
Alycia
I love it! I loved that He spoke, sounded the warning and you listened and then when tempted you stood firm. Oh i want that too. Oh I want to be brave with full confidence that there is power in the name of Jesus. I am so excited for you. I want to stand up and run around my work space and jump for joy. God you are so good! God you are so kind amen and amen
Praise the lord for your Victory in Jesus, that is so awesome Linny!
I am a single mom, so I live alone with a small child and thanks be to God, being alone is not my fear. However my fear is dying and leaving my daughter an orphan, though I know I will be with my savior and king, I worry who will love my daughter like I love her. This fear brings me to tears so I do not speak of it often. Now I will bring it to my lord tonight and pray Jesus, Jesus, Jesus remove this fear and let me live in your peace.
Thank you for sharing your faithfull heart. Glory be to God.
Linny, thank you so much for sharing this story with us. For opening your heart and being vulnerable. This was such a beautiful reminder of me of the power of Jesus' name. Thank you!
i have to tell you that I have been reading her since the fire, and I dont comment often, my husband is in the military, and one of my biggest challenges of being a military wife is staying alone, im glad that you shared this with us… You have no idea what an inspiration you are!
Tiffany
You know what is just awful? That the worst dreams I've ever had? Are ones where scary things happen, and I fight to whisper the name of Jesus.
I caught myself just the other day (in real life) whispering the name of Jesus walking past a scary situation.
So thankful that He is Almighty! That He is Victorious! And that He loves us so!
And just for kicks… do you suppose the enemy pulled a Job on you? "Watch while I test her"? And you totally turned 'im back on his butt with the name of Jesus? 🙂
Linny-
Glory to God! I too have wrestled with fear to the extent of spiritual warfare and it seems like I am looking at the enemy square in the face and he is mocking me. It drove me to the point of social anxiety for a brief period of time a few years ago because these panic attacks got pretty severe. Thankfully with the help of a wonderful Christian counselor to help me see what was truly going on, that I wasn't losing my mind, and showed me the tools (that He has given all of us) to fight it head on, calling on Jesus, studying the Bible, sealing scriptures to my heart, and being able to call Satan the liar that he is.. I can know that God has already told me who the victor is, and it's not Satan! LOL! I am HIS child and HE is the King of Kings!
Here is a song that was brought to my mind when I read your post. Here's a link to it on youtube http://youtu.be/JdD9S8txImI
"Something Special"… about the name of Jesus!
Blessings, my sister….
Oh to have the veil lifted for even a moment to see the spiritual realm that night…oh the Glory….oh the Power….Oh Our Jesus….to see all those encamped around you and Jesus standing there with/in you….oh the fear that was put in the one who turned on the TV!!!:) Talk about casting the enemy out! Good job! Way to go Jesus…and Linny…so proud of you…standing in the Strong Tower of the Lord! Way to go, girl!!! Standing up with Jesus against the powers of darkness that went running that night! Awesome idea on anointing every inch with oil and prayer!!! Nehemiah's wall is up with a watchman on it! This was a huge mountain moving experience for you, Linny! Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us….God will use this unceasingly in helping others stand in the Strong Tower as well…how Mighty is (s)He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…His Name is Glorious and Powerful and Loving! Thank You, Jesus, for protecting our sweet Linny and freeing her from the fear from the enemy…blessed be Your Name! so proud of you Linny!!! <3
I think so many of us just assume that fear is a normal part of life and we don't realize that we can live without it, but "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives our fear…" 1 John 4 : 18
Perfect Love = Jesus (drives out fear.)
"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus"
Stacy
nothing better than FREEDOM! spoken by one who has walked in freedom from FEAR for 33 years now. 🙂
Praise the Lord! How precious is the name of Jesus.
As a young lady the enemy used to torment me at night. I had brothers in the bedroom below me that allowed all kinds of evil into their lives and the enemy present in their bedroom began to torment me with fear in my room. One night after months of fear, scared out of my wits I finally told my mom what was happening. She taught me how to use the name of Jesus and scripture to stop the torment. Through the power and authority of Jesus' precious name, I reclaimed my room and my sleep.
When our children come into our room at night after a scary dream, I hold them, pray over them and we sing "Jesus loves me" When they are at peace again they return to their beds to sleep. My daughter tells me now that she doesn't come to me anymore when she has a bad dream, she just starts singing Jesus' name.
I love God's faithfulness to you. I love how the name of Jesus was immediately on your lips instead of fear. Yippee Jesus!!!
Linny, I just feel overwhelmed with emotion after reading through these posts. There are so many people struggling with various strongholds in their lives, and a great deal of them are rooted in fear.
I can think of many areas of my own life, when I get real about it, that have had the bondage of fear in them. Fear off all levels has tormented me at various times in my life. But like you, I am SO grateful for the POWER in the NAME OF JESUS! I remember many years ago our Pastor saying that the name of Jesus is SO powerful and SO Holy, that even the angels in Heaven bow down in reverence at the mere sound of His name! I'm SO thankful for the GIFT we have in His name when we accept Jesus into ur hearts. I honestly don't know how unsaved people live without Him. I know I would be a MESS and crimpled with fear and many other troubles in my life, if it were not for the powerful and saving grace of our Lord Jesus.
When one reads your story, the imagination takes hold and thoughts of channels on TV that post reality 'ghost' shows, etc…come to mind. The world is SO taken in by this sort of thing. And the truth is, what they are experiencing is for REAL. But it's a 'dark' reality that has very scary spirits stirring up all the 'ghostly' experiences they are witnessing. Satan takes delight in such things. I literally have to guard my heart from even watching a single segment of that stuff, as fear begins to take root. But then I remember, that satan IS the spirit of evil that is behind ALL of that stuff, and that in JESUS' PRECIOUS NAME, he is UNDER my feet! As a mom, it's so important to teach my kids these things, too. It reminds me that I have some work to do in these areas that I'd sometimes rather not touch on. But in this world today, we needed to be armed with the Word.
And another great thing that I was reminded of in reading your posts this evening, are the importance of having solid, godly people in our lives to be there in prayer for us. People that God can work through, and he would be there on the drop of a hat. What wonderful friends (and family) you have! I praise God that they were there to see you through this time, and help you break that yoke of bondage in your life. PTL, HE wins again!!! <><
"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!!!" …how powerful, precious and beautiful is Thy name!
Love you,
~ Tanya
Great job Linny…I am the same way, but I don't think I would've conquered it. I am alone with the kids many nights and fear just lingers coming up to the day. It is no fun, I need to work on this better and defeeat this. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Love and blessings!
Jill
Perfect love casts out fear. Whispering the name of Jesus gave you instant peace. So great. I love that when in terrifying situations, Jesus' name is the first thing out of my mouth. I found myself sliding down an icy mountain a few weeks ago. In fear and panic I started calling on the name of Jesus without thinking. It is so reassuring to know that He is with us at all times and His name just jumps out.
Wow, that is wonderful! I have to say the way you wrote that I felt like I was looking in that window with you but I jumped in the car and left 😉
Thank you so much for sharing this Linny. Praise God for his goodness.
Fear is so easy to give into without even realising what's happening! The night after I read your last post about fear I had a dream that a man came into the church where I work and tried to attack me. I lay, half awake fretting about all the things that could happen while I'm alone there each day. Then I suddenly woke up with a jolt and remembered what you had written and that God has it all under control and that I was letting fear rule me without even thinking about it!
Thanks for being so open. Sending lots of love from the UK!
Linny, I have been following your blog for just over two years – wow that's hard to believe. I absolutely love reading your words each day. Thanks for being transparent and sharing your life experiences. Fear has been something I have struggled with for years. I have had times that it was so overwhelming that I would have panic attacks. Oh the freedom that God allows us if we give Him the opportunity!
wow…what an incredible and inspiring story of total faith!! i love it!!!!
Wow Linny! That is definitely God's peace and I am so thankful that He is always with us! Thank you for sharing! You made me think even more about ways God has delivered me from fear, even though it's a continuous battle God is winning! 😉 So thankful for your transparency, I believe that it speaks to so many!
Oh my…I'm so happy you didn't panic, but as I was reading that I was afraid for you! Now, I know that you were okay, because you were writing the post, but still, I was thinking about how scary that must have been, but thankful that you prayed your way through it and felt total peace. (By the way, we have a barn out by the swimming pool that has a room all finished in the top for an exercise/guest room, the tv in that room would come on at random times, at first, very strange to look out my bedroom window in the middle of the room and see the light from that tv) I will remember this, actually, I do pray any time I feel fear, or any feeling that I know is my humanness, not keeping my Faith as I know I should. Thanks for sharing, I know you are helping so many of us that have fears and need to pray past them. My friend and I want so badly to go to Uganda with you, I have to pray through my fear of leaving my four little ones to accomplish this though.
Awesome! Just another fine example of how the Lord knows every hair on our head and cares about every aspect of our lives! HE does not want any of us to live in or with fear! You go girl!!
btw, Praying through your house and property would be a good post too! We have done that everywhere we have lived. Before we move in too! I have some stories to tell about that! Sheri
Awesome! I love hearing how you anointed you house and property as well. We have done the same and our kids as well. Very happy for you!
Thank you for sharing your heart, your story once again…I visit often and I am always moved by your incredible faith…I love to follow your journey, and I too, have fears that have to be faced…thank you for inspiring me that through Christ I can do all things!!!
Linny,
I have been hanging around for quite awhile, not making myself known to you yet. Well today I couldn't stay silent – you are an amazing example of a Godly Woman. I thank God for women out there in the world who blog and share your faith.
My husband travels a bit and I am often laying in our big bed covers over my head praying for sleep. My heart lept while reading this post. I will remember this the next time I fear being home alone and lean on Jesus.
God Bless you!
jennifer
Linny,
Thank you for sharing your heart and your fear! I felt fear for you as I was reading this and rejoiced with your victory, God's victory. To him be the glory.
God bless you sweet child of him who has us all in his hands.
Carrie
Thank you for sharing your heart and your life. you are such a Godly woman and such an inspiration. Do you know that as I was reading about the TV being on, the first thing I thought , was not a creepy, fearful thought, but I was thinking that it was God's way of assuring you that He was there with you by giving you one of his "undercover" signs! Love, Kim
Linny, Thank you for sharing your heart. I am currently in a Beth Moore Bible Study, Breaking Free, what you have shared fits right into what God has been teaching me through this study. What a mighty God we serve!
Linny,
Thank you so much for telling us this. That is something my pastor told me to do too, I was telling him how for some reason at night my fears seem to come back or come out more and I dont know why, he said to pay attention to about what time they come and start praying like an hour before hand for God's hand of protection and just to help you through it and also to say out loud for the enemy to leave and that I am a child of God and He mentioned I believe also going around the house and praying over every corner!
Hi Linny,
I have been reading your Blog for over a year now and you are such an inspiration. I believe God had sent your Blog to me to help me grow in my faith. God Bless you and your wonderful family.
With Love,
Stacey (From Pennsylvania)
Thank you so much for sharing with us. I have been reading your blog for along time. And I always feel that God speaks to me through you.
Linny,
I have been enjoying your blog and words of wisdom since just before your fire. I applaud you for facing your fears and the courage to share this with the blog world. It empowers me so much; thank you for sharing your experience!
Oooh!! I have goosebumps!! Thank you for sharing and the encouragement to face your fears.
Jude 2,
Emily
Dear, sweet, TRANSPARENT Linny
I just think you're the BEST!
Thank you JESUS for your unfailing LOVE!
hugs,
Lisa
Thank you beyond words-
God has started me on my own journey though my fear (about a month ago). I know facing it will be part of the process, though in facing it comes the fear of past failure (like in facing a fear I had a really bad skiing accident).
He is faithful is pointing the way. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. It is such an encouragement.
Donna
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! Amen and Amen! Thank you for sharing once again, Linny.
My husband is going to be traveling (again…ugh) next week, and I will be alone with our five treasures. Your experience has encouraged and strengthened my faith.
So wonderful Linny! Thank you for being so open and honest.
Blessings,
Amy
Thank you for your transparency. God is so good!
Praise Jesus!!! Glad you shared about overcoming 1 of your issues and thankful that we are overcomers even when the enemy attacks.
To God be all the glory. Amen
That is the most exciting and awesome thing I have ever heard! I was going to say it was amazing, and it is, but we serve an AMAZING God, so we shouldn't be shocked and amazed when He does what He said He would do. Praise God for His grace to take Him at His Word and trust Him!
Linny~
Thank you for sharing! Yes, He is faithful; He is good; He is trustworthy! And I praise Him that He has given you courage!!!!!
my heart was beating in my throat to read about the TV being on. God is faithful. I am so glad you have been letting him heal your fears…
PTL! You're just like David facing Goliath! Great job! PTL. He's so good.
You are Superwoman!!!! No… God's super. How amazing, and I would have been shaking in my shoes! I love being home alone all day long, but when night time comes, I hate it. Good for you!
I literally got chills while reading this. And I never get chills while reading stories. Linny, this is amazing. Praise God! Staying home alone while it's late gives me anxiety as well, so I understand how important this is for you. It makes me think of Joshua 1:9 – this story is proof of the promise the verse contains. Thank you so much for sharing this story!
This is wonderful! I see more and more how badly fear has a hold on me and how my current marital struggles is a result of it. Please continue to pray for me. Thank you for being completely vulnerable – you have been such an inspiration.
Whooohooo! Now, thanks be unto God who always gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. He always causes us to triumph! Thank you Father for your unsurpassing goodness and for this testimony. I can tell you, fear has not seen many of us face to face but becuase of what you have said and your faithfulness to write, things are about to change! Perfect love is in full operation in you.
And by the way, when I was thinking of your family this morning, after having read Emma's blog on her first missions trip to Mexico. I thought, what audacity that woman of God has! You are fearless! FEARLESS! That's the zeal of the Lord. Glory to God!
PRAISE THE LORD!!!! Wow … thank you for sharing yourself with all of us Linny! You are a blessing!
LIsa C.
Linny, that is so awesome! Letting God's full power flow through our lives inevitably means scary times of trial, but oh so blessed when we obey and respond in His power! Thanks for your testimony!
~Bekah H.
Amazing Linny!! I love that you just basically laughed in the enemy's face, putting complete trust in the name of Jesus! Such a powerful story! Love it, love it 🙂 So proud of you! To Him be the glory!!!
As I started reading, I just had a feeling that it was going to be something strangely supernatural from the enemy. For a minute, I thought about not continuing to read, because I didn't want to bring up that type of fear again in me. But I'm not going to let him win and keep me bound to fear 🙂 So, I read… with not an once of fear! Hearing that you continued through the entire night with complete peace and victory, gave me even more hope that I can face my fears and over come. And if I ever (Lord willing I won't) have to face something crazy scary again, I'll remember your story and will keep calling on the Prince of Peace! Thanks for sharing!
Linny, Your testimony here is reaching out to others and bringing courage, freedom and healing into their lives….and mine. Praise God for His goodness and power!
What a powerful story. Amazing….
I dedicate my facebook status today to you dear Linny: "All that I have seen teaches me to trust God for all I have not seen." What a beautiful testimony to the faithfulness of the Father to hear our cry and remove those things from our lives that are not glorifying Him. You are a joy to "know" through facebook, twitter and your blog. Continued blessings on you and your family, sweet friend.
What an amazing testimony!
That is so cool. Love the post. I am consumed by fear most of the time. I pray every night that it will go. You are an inspiration.
AMAZING! Linny, that was so powerful. You were so brave for sharing.
LOVE!!!
Sandi
What a sweet testimony! God is so very faithful! Janet
i hung on your every word. i felt the little hairs on the back of my neck and my arms stand on end when you mentioned the blue light. my jaw dropped open. i love how you felt the peace of Jesus and whispered/spoke his name. what a victory for you this side of heaven!
i love hearing your heart and have such a thankful heart over your willingness to be REAL and HONEST and to give glory where it is due. may God get ALL the glory!
*BOOM!* The sound of his smashed head. 🙂
Love…..
Linny, I have dealt with this demon of fear too. He even tried to do things like the TV to shake me. I was right there nodding the whole time. But praise God He walks us through the times that we are tested and we can and have moved on victoriously! Praising Him with you! The devil's tricks are the same as they ever were, but even moreso full of praise that our Faithful God is the same yesterday, today and forever! Way to go Linny! And thank you for sharing this openly and honestly.
thank you for sharing. i come and check on you every day here. i love the example you set. facing our fears is the only way to prove we have been set free. love that
VICTORY!!! I'm so proud of you~
Evil forces THRIVE on fear, and you just knocked it out of the water. Way to go!
Michelle
Praise the Lord!
I am marveling at how God used something that was potentially crippling and defeating and turned it into a praise party. 😀 Praising Him for what He's done in your life and what He wants to do in all our lives. Again, thank you for being brave, transparent and real and letting God use your struggles to encourage all of us who have the same ones!
It is because of your willingness to be vulnerable and transparent to the world that I find courage to post on my blog about an incredible sleepless God-filled night that I had this week. Thank you.
Linny, I rejoice in your victory! I praise God for allowing you to journey through the fear and not become stifled and cripled in the fear. These last two posts are very dear to my heart. I cried as I read the posts and I'm crying as I type this message because I KNOW what fear feels like in the mind, in the body, and in the spirit. Thank you for being vulnerable and transparent by sharing this story. If you do not mind, I would like to print this out to place in my journal to reference for encouragement as I face my own fears. (If this is not okay with you, please let me know and I will honestly respect your writing.) Thank you, seriously, for sharing this post. Thank you for being so real, so honest, and for exemplifying this Christian walk in such grace and dignity. Our lives are not perfect and just because we are Christians does not mean we will not face trials and obstacles, but blessed be Almighty God that He has overcome all that we face, and that He's there in the midst, and He guides and walks with us through!! I rejoice with you because I know the magnitude of what you accomplished that night and I'm proud of you!
Hugs!
Tina
Reading this post was kinda like reading a thriller. :0) You made my heart race, ha! Loving reading about your victories. It makes my own seem possible. :0)
Incredible, Linny! Simple incredible. But, I am not surprised, not in the least. Our God is GREAT and has enabled you to overcome. To God be the glory indeed!!
Great how God prepared you with the chapter you were led to read, "Do not be afraid."
I went through some scary spiritual things that led me to depend on my Jesus more than I had before.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have had times alone in the house…laying in the bed…and I can almost "feel" something that's not right…my heart starts beating fast and I can feel the fear come over me. It doesn't happen often, but in those times I've always said out loud, "In the name of the Lord, get away from here". I then feel peace rush over me. Spiritual warfare is so real and happening all the time. I'm so happy for your victory!
Wow. Praise God! I could almost feel my own heart racing for you as I read about the TV coming on. Thank you Jesus for the power of your blood covering us as we rest in you.
It is time for me to comment on these last 2 posts. I have been confronted with my own fear this week and it is a biggie. These two posts have served to cause me to stop and look at my fear through a different lense. I can say that I am being so very honest when I say I don't know how I am going to do this. God and I are still dialoging and someday I will share the whole story. But I do want to say this: You have once again been the catalyst for some incredibly deep work that God is doing in my heart. I know that true to His character, God is allowing me LOTS and LOTS of grace as I walk this incredibly fearful place in my life. The places your blog has taken me over the last 2 years is hard to put into words. Thank you for choosing to be so incredibly open and vulnerable so that a woman MILES across the map could once again be given the courage to make a GIANT leap of faith with a FATHER who loves her beyond what she can imagine. I am more grateful to you than I will ever be able to express. You are choosing to be salt and light in my life. Thank you.
linny, just wanted to say thank you for this…i keep certain fears at bay during the daytime, but in the quiet of the dark night, they creep in and steal my peace. thank you for giving me some tools i can really use.
Oh, Linny, how amazing and gracious is our Lord. Simply amazing – bless His name!
Oh Linny! I am so proud of you!! I would have been terrified!! Thank you for the reminder that having faith in the Lord in situations such as that is sooo important! Often I wouldn't think twice about the fact that I was submitting to fear in such situations. Your post has made me realize that I often give in to fear and I don't even recognize it as sinful. Thank you so so much for posting this and encouraging me to do something about my fear. I am terrified of airplanes yet I have to fly frequently with work. My stomach is in knots the whole time! Tonight I'm meeting with my accountability group and I'm going to have them pray over me about this fear. Thanks Linny! You are such a blessing!
Wow! I got chills reading this! Powerful!