(If you missed the previous posts from my Freedom Series, be sure to go back and catch up! To read, Freedom from Burdens, click here. For Freedom from Sin and Death click here. To read, Freedom from Worldly Priorities, click here. And, for Freedom from Guilt and Shame, click here.)
A couple of weeks ago, I went in for a physical. I had been putting it off for a while, so I was overdue for a few things. As my doctor started to list off all the tests she recommended, I started to get a bit panicky… It wasn’t that I didn’t know what she was talking about, or what it all meant, it was just the sheer number of tests that made my pulse go a little bit faster as the appointment went on…
So, I had all my blood tests, and some other things done, and all the results kept coming back great!
But, then I got a call from radiology.
We found something on your mammogram, and we would like you to come in and have a second one done – and perhaps an ultrasound, as well.
As someone who has a history of breast cancer in my family, this was the call I really didn’t want to get.
I was assured by the imaging scheduler that this was fairly common, and it didn’t necessarily mean anything was going on – they just wanted to make sure. Or, something like that. Honestly, I was just trying to process the fact that I needed to go in and have more images done – as soon as possible…
Up until those words, ‘as soon as possible,’ I think I was OK. I could deal. This was fairly routine, she said. This happens a lot, she said.
So, then, was everyone told they needed to come back, As Soon As Possible??
I don’t know, but, I made my appointment. Hung up the phone. And cried.
And, then, I wiped my eyes and prayed.
Pray for Freedom from Worry and Fear
All I could think of was Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
So, I thanked God for being with me. I thanked Him for the radiologist who found the spot. I thanked Him for the amazing technology that we now have. And, I thanked Him for helping me be calm and know that whatever the results were, I’d be OK.
My As Soon As Possible date was two days away, so I had a lot of minutes to go over every possible scenario. But, God once again reminded me that He was there for me. I know it was not a coincidence that inside of that 48 hours, Brad and I were scheduled to lead a Bible Talk on God’s Peace. (You can read that post, here.) So, planning for that discussion led me to some very helpful verses, but I wanted to study out those specific to Worry and Fear as well. So, I searched for those in my Study Bible. (If you need a Bible, I highly recommend one like mine. It has been super helpful for me…)
Bible Verses About Freedom from Worry and Fear
There are a lot of verses about how we should handle Worry and Fear. I did a whole post on Fear and how Eliana would literally freeze when she would get afraid. (You can read about that in, Fear Not, says God…, here.)
But, over those two days, these are the verses that helped Free me from Worry and Fear the most…
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
But, when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You. Psalm 56:3
So, don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. Matthew 6:34
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Isaiah 26:3
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
As Soon As Possible was Now
So, after studying out these verses and praying about them for two straight days, when I went in to radiology for the second mammogram, I was truly calm. I felt like if anyone would have taken my blood pressure, it would have been lower than it had been a week before.
I knew that God was with me and I just kept saying, Thank You, God, over and over in my head.
Even when I was asked to sit in the exam room to wait for the radiologist to read the X-rays – I felt calm.
Thank You, God…Thank You, God…Thank You, God…
And, when the technician came in and said the X-rays still didn’t look good and they wanted to do an ultrasound, I said, OK, and calmly followed her into the next room.
Thank You, God…Thank You, God…Thank You, God…
And, following the ultrasound, I calmly waited for the radiologist. When he came in, he told me everything looked good and he didn’t need to see me for a year.
And, I said, “Thank You, God,” aloud.
Now What?
I was – and am – so very thankful that the results came out as they did. But, truthfully, I didn’t feel afraid – I wasn’t worried.
Even though genetic odds were not in my favor, and I had skipped a year of doctor appointments, I clung to God’s promises. For the first time in my life, I had Freedom from Worry and Fear. And, I pray that I can do it next time I am in a scary situation.
I pray that everyone can experience that no matter what may come.
I know that Worry is in my nature. Control could be my middle name – if I allowed it. But, I also know how much stronger God is than I am, and how much better I can be if I allow Him to be in charge.
Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Just trust me.” Mark 5:36.
Your Thoughts?
How have you found Freedom from Worry and Fear? I would love to know what Bible verses you have found that have helped you through difficult situations. I can’t wait to hear from all of you!
