Fear Chasers, April 3
Written by David Gira
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18 NIV).
Fears pervade the cancer experience: the fear of a cancer diagnosis. The fear of the unknown. The fear of missing out (FOMO). The fear of suffering and death. You may even feel like you are suffering from pantophobia, the fear of everything!
Fears can be as harmful as the disease itself. How do you manage and overcome them?
After my cancer diagnosis, Jean, a faithful friend and godly woman, gave me an envelope an inch thick. Inside was a stack of index cards. On the first card she had handwritten, “The Bible says, ‘do not be afraid’ 365 times—one time for every day of the year.”
On the next card, she had written one of those verses: “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV). On the back, she had written “Fear Chaser.” Each of the cards contained one of those 365 verses.
Someone told me the Bible does not say “do not fear” 365 times. I haven’t counted, but I can testify that spending just a moment reading the words on that little card transformed my days in a big way. Fears were cast out, and Christ’s peace entered.
The cards are not magic. They aren’t tarot cards or playing cards. No need to worry about drawing a good card out of the deck. The “Fear Chasers” have power because they are the words of God.
“God has transmitted his very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 TPT).
If we have faith in Jesus, He is alive in us. He is the Word of God. When we listen—even for a split second—we can hear Him. He speaks through all Scripture, devotional books like this, and Fear Chaser cards. He knows you, loves you, and will tell you many things you need to hear:
I love you. I am with you. Don’t be afraid. I will not leave you. You are forgiven. This is the way. All you need will be provided. I am working this out for your good. Healing is happening. I am greater than cancer.
Jean provided me with a new “Fear Chaser” for each day. I took one with me to my oncology appointments, biopsies, MRI’s, CT scans, lab draws, radiation, and chemo. Whenever the cancer journey got scary, my "Fear Chaser" helped cast out fear and increase my faith in Christ.
Here are a few of my favorites:
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear” (Psalm 46:1a NIV).
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13 NIV).
Pray: Lord, thank You for Your words. In this cancer journey, I hear a lot of things I don’t want to hear. Your words are life-giving, and I long to hear them. Help me to stay connected and tuned in to Your voice. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Make some fear chasers and try using them. Use your favorite verses, the ones above, or search the Scriptures for some. Listen to “Better Word” by Leeland and worship.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
