Praise Report: Driving In The Rain

I have a history of driving anxiety.

I drive all the time, and mostly I don't really mind it all that much. A few months ago we moved about 45 minutes out of town, so now we basically have longer driving time anywhere we go. As long as it's not dark or snowy I'm usually pretty good.

God has been working in my heart on fear, particularly in driving. On the night we moved into our new house in November, we had taken two cars loaded up with boxes and bins and bags. I was in the van that was also loaded up with the kids. It was dark by the time we headed to our new home.

There are certain areas on the highway, mainly in merging from one highway to another that tend to get my heart racing a bit. So it was dark and I was coming up on this point where I had to merge into the fast moving traffic from the left side. I was starting to get all worked up, and I felt God put on my heart...

"what if I just wasn't scared?"

So that sounds kinda simple and silly, but it made me think. My situation wouldn't be changed, but the fear would be gone. Thinking about the fact that my situation would be the same no matter what, made me realize that fear is so pointless; really not needed in any part of the equation. I feel like this sounds a little odd, or oversimplifying, but in that moment it actually really helped me to put things in perspective, and His peace was able to rush in to replace the fear I was feeling.

I have since used that thought many times in tense situations. What if I just didn't have fear right now? I don't need it for anything, and it doesn't change anything.

Fast forward to yesterday, when I was driving into town for a meeting, again with all 4 kids in the van. I got on the highway and all of a sudden there is a downpour of rain.

Now, I love rain. I think it's the best, and storms even more so. But when I'm driving I'm not a fan. And this wasn't just rain. These were huge water bombs pelting my windshield, constantly. I could hardly see the car in front of me. Needless to say, my heart was racing. I slowed way down, to less than 50 mph. I was talking to Jesus, but I was honestly feeling super high anxiety in that moment. I was terrified of slipping off the road or another car hitting me or who knows what else.

Then He came to me again.

He brought to my heart Peter walking on the water. At that point, I consciously made the effort to seek His face, and ignore the waves.

He has a purpose for my life and no storm can get in the way of that.

The rain does not scare Him. So my prayer shifted, and I began thanking and praising Him for meeting me in this storm. It was amazing, I calmed right down.

His peace passed all my understanding.

I even at one point told Him that if I had to drive this way the rest of my life, it would be fine because I could focus oh Him the whole time.

Then it happened again a couple days later. I wasn't on the highway, just on my way home from the local grocery story. But it began to downpour. The same type of crazy heavy stormy rain. This time I was able to focus on seeking His amazing face from the moment it began. I'm telling you, my pulse did not even increase by one bpm. I had the craziest peace. I just kept repeating "I trust You Jesus, I trust You Jesus, I trust You Jesus." It was an amazing experience. If you have ever felt the dark place of anxiety, you know what I'm talking about.

• So now when I worry about our finances - "I trust You Jesus, I trust You Jesus, I trust You Jesus".

• If I am worried about my children - "I trust You Jesus, I trust You Jesus, I trust You Jesus."

• If my heart is breaking; if I am partnering with a lie; when I don't know what to say - "I trust You Jesus, I trust You Jesus, I trust You Jesus."

This may sound simple,

but for me it has been life changing.

I share it just in case there is even one lady out there who can relate, and can find that peace in Him.