Lesley Mathews is a dear, sister in Christ. Though petite in stature, Lesley is a courageous giant in her faith, life, and service to the Lord… sacrificing whatever is in her stewardship that would honour God and see His Kingdom expanding.
 
In 2021, having been generously endowed by the Holy Spirit in the area of music, singing, and composing, Lesley stepped-out from her fear to stand by faith in an all-or-nothing venture… producing her fourth album of 9 songs, entitled “The Love Always Project”. When the album was released, I visited her website: www.endlessgrace.com.au and downloaded a copy for my personal use. I was so moved by the recording, emotionally and spiritually, I decided to listen to one of Lesley’s songs each morning to help prepare my heart and mind before speaking with God through prayer. Wow… what a difference this has made in my “time-alone” sessions with God!
 
The album’s fourth track is entitled, “No longer slaves (to fear).” As I listened intently and meditated on the words of the song, the Holy Spirit prompted me to write an article that would remind DOW subscribers and readers of the truth that believers are no longer slaves to fear, as we’ve been set free! Yes, in Christ we are more than conquerors! Paul’s rhetorical question to the church at Rome, “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love” was answered with, “No… overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (8:35-37; cf. 38-39).
 
Friends, unchecked fear has dogged humanity for millenniums, since the time Adam first disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. Genesis informs us that soon after Adam’s failure in the garden, God called to him, “Where are you?” Adam replied, “I heard You walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked” (3:9-10). Note: Through Adam, sin gave birth to fear! And, sin renders us naked and exposed to God’s judgement! 
 
Enslavement to fear is a consequence of sin. Fear is not our friend. Fear does not “add” to our lives. Fear stalks every human being throughout their lives, looking for right conditions to destabilise right thinking, to paralyze human spirit from right actions… to rob, kill, and destroy our lives! Yes, this is deadly stuff!
 
Case study: Joshua was thrown a mighty curve-ball when God informed him that Moses was dead and the time had come for him to lead the Nation of Israel, numbering 2.5 million, across the Jordan River to begin the conquest of Canaan. How did Joshua receive this news? Well, to be expected… he was overwhelmed by fear and paralysed through discouragement (Josh. 1:9). Knowing exactly how Joshua would receive this directive, God ministered to his mind and spirit by saying; “Be Strong and courageous” (1: 6), “Be strong and very courageous” (v. 7), This is My command—be strong and courageous!” (v. 9), “So be strong and courageous” (v. 18). (Yes, Joshua got the message.)
 
To say to someone who is gripped by fear “be strong and courageous” without giving them concrete reasons as to why they don’t have to capitulate to fear falls short of offering them real help that can instil the confidence and assurance that is needed to deliver them from fear. God did not stop short in His instruction to Joshua to be strong and courageous, He included this assurance, “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (v. 9). Ahhh… now that makes a world of difference, doesn’t it? … “God will be with me wherever I go?” “Hmmm, ok… let us get on with it!”

The lyrics of “No Longer Slaves” can minister to troubled minds, hearts and spirits… giving assurance and peace to face with confidence the many ugly challenges of life. Lesley sings from her heart to the God whom she trusts

You unravel me with a melody. You surround me with a song of deliverance from my enemies ’til all my fears are gone. I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God. I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God.

From my mother’s womb You have chosen me. Love has called my name. I’ve been born again into Your family. Your blood flows through my veins. I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God. I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God.

You split the sea so I could walk right through it. My fears are drowned in perfect love. You rescued me so I can stand and sing. I am a child of God. You split the sea so I could walk right through it. My fears are drowned in perfect love. You rescued me so I can stand and sing. I am a child of God. I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God. I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God (Rpt).(Lyrics by Jonathan Helser, Brian Johnson, Joel Case of Bethel Music.)                                         
 
Friends, when we choose to walk along the straight and narrow path of righteousness in our threatening world we are not alone, God is with us! When God is with us, no one and nothing can prevail against us (Rom. 8:31). Followers of Christ, remember this: you and God always equal a majority in the myriad of challenges you will face in life. And so, our Heavenly Father says to you and me, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand” (Isa. 41:10).
 
In the context of our calling to live for God and “make disciples” we can live with confidence and boldness in the face of every intimidation of fear with absolute assurance that comes from taking hold of Jesus’ promise… “I am with you even to the end of this age” (Matt. 28:20). Yes, dear friends, in Christ we are no longer slaves to fear!

Friends I strongly encourage you to click on the picture below to visit Lesley’s website (and her YouTube channel HERE) to explore more of her beautiful music.

Best wishes
Bill