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Day 34 BONUS

In January, I began experiencing sudden episodes of my heart racing for no apparent reason. It could happen anywhere, anytime, even during mundane tasks. I remember food shopping and needing to sit down just to slow my heart rate. Another time, it struck during a screening of the new Mean Girls movie, turning what should have been a fun outing into a nerve-wracking experience as my heart pounded uncontrollably. The uncertainty made it worse; I’d get anxious about getting anxious — a vicious cycle. I often found myself out of breath and rushed back to my room, seeking solace in comfort TV shows to calm my mind. Even on my way to BRT (Bible Read Through), I had to tell the girls what was happening, and they prayed for me, which was powerful.


Eventually, I decided to see a doctor. I was visibly shaky during the appointment, and the doctor prescribed tablets to lower my heart rate. He also ordered an ECG and blood tests to check my heart. I was convinced something was seriously wrong. Yet, despite everything, I could still run a 10k with no problem. When the test results came back normal, I was left confused and unsure of what to do next.


After some thought and encouragement from a church friend, I decided to try counseling. I reached out to Life and Soul Counseling, unsure if my problem was "big enough" for professional help. I worried my concerns were too trivial. However, from the start, they were understanding and even offered a discount, recognising that regular sessions at a lower cost would be most helpful.


I kept this decision private, sharing only with close friends who would support me. In counseling, I opened up about my medication and heart issues, and I was never judged. Week by week, we unpacked the truths from the lies. I’m usually described as a joyful person, so admitting I needed help felt like defeat. But my counselor showed me that wasn’t true. She helped renew my beliefs about what God says concerning anxiety and comparison, showing how counseling aligns with Jesus’ teachings.


By the fourth week of ten, I had stopped taking the tablets — my physical anxiety symptoms had eased. But I knew my journey wasn’t over; I needed to continue working on my mental and spiritual health. By week ten, I had a new job, which meant I couldn’t continue therapy, but the timing was perfect. I left confident that I could return anytime and with the tools to continue my journey.


Even as I write this, doubts creeps in — “What if it happens again? Is this really an answered prayer?” But the scripture we read in BRT this week, Haggai 2:5 (NLT), silences those fears: “My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.” His Spirit was with me at the start of this journey, and it remains with me now.


 

V

Re:Hope Church

 

Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight today any prayers God has answered in your life that you’ve forgotten about, or written off, or not given Him credit for. Let remembering His goodness to act and answer your prayers refuel your faith today. 



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