Read: Mark 5:1-13; 1 John 4:18
But perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18 NIV)
I was a young mother of two sons, ages one and three. My husband was traveling on a missionary visit to a remote area, so I was alone with the children. This could be difficult. I would go to bed every night very tired.
On this night, there was no light from the moon. We had no electricity, so it was very dark in the house. I awoke in the middle of the night filled with a deep sense of fear. I could see nothing, only a deeper darkness like a shrouded person at the foot of my bed. My fear kept me from reaching for the flashlight on the nightstand.
As I started to pray, I was reminded: This is not of God, for God is not the author of fear. God is love, and perfect love casts out fear. This must be of the devil. And Jesus’ power is greater than that of Satan. Jesus cast out demons. In the power of his name, we can too.
Then with God’s help, I sat up and said: “Satan, I belong to Jesus. In Jesus’ name, I command you to leave.” As I finished speaking, I felt the presence leave, and my fear disappeared.
After checking on the boys with the flashlight, I returned to bed, praising God for his presence with me and his power over Satan. —Helen Hofman
As you pray, thank our Lord Jesus for overcoming the power of Satan and casting out fear with his perfect love.
About the Author
Helen Hofman is a retired missionary. She and her husband Sam worked with the Tzeltal and Tojolabal Indians of Chiapas, Mexico for more than forty years. In their work, they helped set up a Bible School to train the Tzeltals, taught in the Bible School, prepared Sunday School materials, textbooks, hymnals and audiovisuals. They also coordinated the translation of the Amatenango Tzeltal New Testament and the revision of the highland Tzeltal Bible.
