Sometimes we get stuck, whether it's in the fear cycle that keeps anxiety-inducing thoughts circling our minds or in another type of cycle that makes us feel stuck, unable to move forward from our problems. I remember as a young mom feeling stuck and overwhelmed by anxiety and fear, and laundry. Yes, laundry. Maybe that … Continue reading Are You Stuck in the Fear Cycle with No Perceived Way Out?
I spent years struggling with generalized anxiety. From early childhood, well into adulthood. It wasn’t until shortly after turning 30 years old, after hitting rock bottom with anxiety and fear, that I finally surrendered my will and humbled my heart to take hold of God’s hand. I cried out to God for help, and He … Continue reading Wrestling Through: Moving Through Fear and Anxiety Toward Greater Freedom and Faith in God
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." —Isaiah 43:18–19 When the Lord called Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promised land, He … Continue reading Step 9: Let Go of Your Past and Embrace Your Purpose Today
Surrender and breakthrough go hand in hand. First we surrender, then we experience breakthrough. But what if you’ve gone through all the steps, surrendered everything you can think of—and yet true freedom feels just out of reach? I know the struggle feels overwhelming, and you’ve been fighting the good fight. You feel the chains of … Continue reading Step 5: Believe—Jesus is Your Chain Breaker
I had a lightbulb moment at the beginning of my quest for the root cause of my struggle with anxiety and fear. “Would anyone like to close us in prayer?” Every week, my small group Bible study leader asked this question—and every week I dreaded it. Her request always made me feel so uncomfortable, as … Continue reading Step 2: Uncover Emotional Triggers By Excavating Your Past
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, NIV). I'll be transparent, there are times when I don't feel like obeying God's call to write. Don't get me wrong, I love the … Continue reading How to Persevere in Obedience When You Don’t Feel Like It
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). As a young twenty-something, I had so much to look forward to. I was a newlywed, and just getting started in what looked … Continue reading Hope in the Midst of a Health Crisis
Where does the perfect love of God fit in, in the midst of an unrelenting trials, suffering, and loss? Maybe, during this season of pandemic, you've questioned God's goodness. You've wondered where God is, and why He is so long in coming? Me too. You see, in the last couple years, I have experienced extensive loss. I have been grieving, and in the bitterness of my grief, I too, have questioned where God’s protection is for His followers when He allows such horrific suffering to continue on unabated in the lives of those who have given up everything to follow Him. To get answers to these questions, I sought the Lord, and here is what I believe He revealed . . .