I knew the enemy would be lurking when I decided to start the Write 31 Days challenge, because he always pops up in obnoxious ways when I commit to tackling something writing-related and (Lord willing) kingdom-building.

But seriously. A hurricane? 

The windows are boarded up, the a/c is cranked in anticipation of a power outage, snacks are ready (and hidden from the kids), and board games are stacked. We’ve rearranged the living room in case we decide to drag our mattresses out here tonight, and there are already toys everywhere. The rain and wind are picking up.

I’ve been fighting a pit in my stomach all day. Yesterday I shared over on Instagram the scripture I’ve been praying through and dwelling on to calm my worries:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. —Joshua 1:9

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. —Psalm 46:1-3

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. —Psalm 27:5

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. —Ephesians 3:20-21

Stacey Thacker posted this morning about the coming storm and taking God at his word, because even the winds obey him (Matthew 8:23-27). Yes and amen. I needed to read that.

There’s nothing quite like the Word—Truth with a capital T—to combat fear and lies and tell the enemy to take a hike.

Is this the post I had in mind for today? Nope. But oddly enough, I think it fits. As I’ve been cleaning and gathering and laundering and preparing for Matthew today, I’ve been thinking about what living free really looks like. Am I living free today? On a day when everything is out of my control, what is my response? Am I held captive by fear and worry? Or can I calmly face the storm, taking my God at his word and wholly trusting that he reigns, no matter what?

It is the latter that sets me free.

And the good news about the enemy is that he has no stronghold here!

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption… —Colossians 1:13-14

If you’re in the path of the hurricane too, please stay safe. Pray Truth with me, and let’s tell the enemy we won’t succumb to worry and fear, because he has no power here. We are free, even in the midst of an oppressive storm.

Don’t count me out of Write 31 Days, either—I’ll keep writing, even if it’s on paper and by candlelight! 

Click here to see all posts from the Grace, Freedom, & the Rules series.