If you were to ask me the one thing that has MOST changed my life and my relationship with Jesus, the answer would be one 6 letter word…

Prayer.

However, prayer came much later in my faith walk. I mean, yes, I would pray at times, but it was not until much later in my walk that I began to fervently and intentionally pray.

The story I am about to share happened two and a half years ago. I shared it with a class I was teaching at the time, but have never written about it until now.

In some strange way, I wanted to keep it inside of my soul. It was such a personal and life-altering moment that I didn't want to taint it by setting it free from my heart and mind.

However, today, God reminded me of this story. I needed to hear it again. I needed to remember the lesson it taught me. I hope it will encourage you as well.

Several years ago, I struggled with debilitating fear.

It consumed every aspect of my life. I was afraid to take my kids to school, I was afraid to eat certain foods, I was afraid to travel, I was afraid something would happen to me, my husband, or my kids.

Honestly, fear ruled most of my childhood, teenage years, and well into adulthood.

Fear affected my relationships, my calling, my dreams and desires.

When I started reading the Bible back in 2012, I was determined to let God heal me from fear once and for all.

I began to memorize scripture, and I began to devour God’s word. I could not get enough.