By: Benescke Janse van Rensburg

A game of chess, a boxing match, a tennis game and even a soccer match. In any of these sports, the individual or team with the best strategy, is usually the one who will turn out to be the winner. To put this strategy together, opponents analyze each other's game plan in an attempt to identify weak points, in order to exploit it.

Our daily struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against evil forces around us. The enemy is a strategist. He also analyzes our lives to find areas in which he can attack us. He did it with Job. In Job 1 we read that Job had everything. A beautiful house. A lot of possessions. Seven children. He also had a wonderful relationship with God. Satan wanted to stop it, but he could not attack Job because God placed a hedge of protection around Job, his family and his possessions (Job 1:10).

Job however had one weak point: fear. He was afraid that something bad might happen to him. Satan saw it. With the opportunity to test Job's faith, he hit Job where it hurt most. In Job 3:25 we read Job's words after losing everything: “What I always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded has come true.”

What is your fear - and how do you handle it? Do you talk about it to everyone around you or do you take it to God?  In Joshua 1: 9, God spoke to a fearful Joshua, saying, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God is saying the same to you. He knows your fears and He wants to replace it with peace in your heart.

Let’s remember that the enemy is lurking, watching our lives, listening to our words in order to discover our weak points. However, let’s also remind ourselves that God holds the universe in His hand. In the same way He protected Job with a hedge of protection, He can do the same for you as He remains the same yesterday, today and forever. God bless.

Father God, thank You for allowing me to talk to You about my fears. Help me to put my hope in You and not allow fear to paralyze me. I pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• Assignment for the day: Choose to deliberately only talk to God about your fears. Choose to trust Him to protect you and your loved ones. Find promises from God’s Word to remind yourself of when it gets tough.

• Feedback: What are you afraid of? And what subject would you like me to cover this month? Let me know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I would like to hear from you. Benescke