Faith Over Fear: My Story of HealingSample

Doctors never seem to be on our timeframe when we have an unsettling medical diagnosis. But, the date of my first aneurysm repair was finally scheduled. Over the next two weeks, I did have times that I had to fight anxiety. But what I found was, the days I spent time in the Word, the less anxiety I had. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by renewing our minds. I needed my mind that was full of fear to be transformed into a mind that was full of peace. Being in His word did just that for me!

If you've been a Christian long enough you know the importance of renewing your mind.  But if you’re like me, the busyness of life always seems to get in the way. Work, kids, dishes, laundry, that ever-growing “To Do” list. So, I decided I was going to schedule a date with God every single day. I actually put this in my planner and on my calendar with a reminder. Sometimes I scheduled it first thing in the morning, my lunch break, or right before I went to bed. But what I found was that I liked the mornings the best because it set the tone of my day.

I also learned that there were other ways I could renew my mind. I would listen to a book by one of my favorite Christian authors. I would put on a YouTube video of my favorite Bible teacher, pastor, or I’d listen to my favorite praise music. I could do these things while I was doing laundry, cleaning the house, cooking dinner or on my commute to work. I think the biggest lesson came when I really began to watch what kind of TV I was viewing. I wasn’t watching anything that was sinful but it wasn’t always edifying. It was actually more mind-numbing than anything. Please don’t hear what I’m not saying. You can watch your favorite show and I still do. But it can’t be what your mind takes in the most. 

I Corinthians 10:23 NIV says, “I have the right to do anything”, you say--but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”--but not everything is constructive.” 

Ephesians 5:15 goes on to say, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.” God wants us to practice wisdom in everything we do. 

 No matter what your life looks like right now, renewing your mind will always be key to how you handle your day to day world. And for me, it was what kept me and still keeps me grounded. I want to encourage you to start making regular dates with God. He loves when you want to spend time with Him because he always wants to spend time with you.