Anxiety Aftermath

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

If I can be completely honest with you all today, this verse was tough for me to swallow. Why? Well, as some of you know, I had a health scare a few years back and went to the emergency room with symptoms of a heart attack. To say that is was traumatizing would be an understatement. Having to tell your kids goodbye in the middle of the night and praying that you would actually come back to see them again is not something I wish on anyone. The good news is that all of the medical tests came back normal – my blood work, my EKG (they check the heart rhythms and circuitry to make sure it’s all working correctly), my pulse, my lungs, my arteries – everything checked out as OK. So, it was a medical mystery at the time.

To try and keep this story short, let me summarize the rest of the week. I continued to have symptoms for many days after my visit to the ER. Finally, God revealed to me that the issue was demonic – Satan’s minions were screwing with me. So, I changed my prayers from healing to deliverance, and the symptoms cleared up. Praise God!

It’s the aftermath from all of that which was tough. I have had anxiety ever since. Sometimes I can’t seem to get out of my own head. If I feel a twinge in my chest, or even for a moment feel lightheaded, my mind starts racing. The unfortunate reality is that this can occur on a semi-regular basis. I manage it through prayer, and some grounding, but it’s still there.

Why then did I choose this verse that Paul wrote over 1,900 years ago? Because I am claiming this promise, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” You see, I love God more than anything, including life itself. And though times can get tough, I know my God, my friend, my savior, is going to see me through. And now, I’m going to use this story to give Him glory. It’s one more piece of my testimony about how amazing our God is and how trustworthy His promises are.

Perhaps you can relate to what I’ve been through. Maybe you’ve had anxiety for years. Claim this promise today. And, if you’re willing, share with me or someone else so that we can lift one another up in prayer. God will come through.

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