For 9 years I have suffered with anxiety disorder. I could not go to new places without feeling sick. I could not go on public transport. I could not go to coffee shops. I could not sit on the end of rows. I could not go to friends’ houses without feeling sick. Sometimes I would have panic attacks and actually be sick (not a pleasant experience I can assure you!). However, today, I am thankful for the experiences I have had with anxiety. Yes, thankful! Why? You make ask. Well, because of my anxiety, God revealed to me many of His characteristics. He is Healer. He is Protector. He is Faithful. Because of Jesus, I am courageous. Because of Jesus, I am Brave. Without Him, I am timid. Without Him, I am shy. Without Him, I am fearful. But with Jesus, I am brave and courageous, a warrior ready to kick fear in the butt! Yes, I still feel anxious occasionally, like when I have to go on a coach trip with school, or experience new places but Jesus gives me peace.

You see, God tells us not to be afraid because He is with us; not to be scared because He holds us in His right hand. We have no reason to fear because through Jesus’ victory on the cross, we are conquerors. In fact, we are more than conquerors and absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. If God is for us, who can be against us? No-one! How amazing is that!? Jesus, when He made us, did not give us a timid, fearful spirit but a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. God does not want us to be afraid.

I am absolutely in love with the fact that I have not had a panic attack since 26th November 2012. That’s 4 years and almost 7 months! In those 4 years and almost 7 months I have had the biggest events in my life so far – my wedding day, my graduation day, my Gran’s funeral, flying on a plane and being in an entirely different country for the first time ever! – all without having a panic attack. I truly believe that’s because I have the power of God working in me, for me and with me.

How can you have this same power? All you need to do, is ask and have faith.