I am amazed, but never surprised in the amount of people God brings into my path who suffer from panic attacks.  I know the solution and how to overcome, but it isn’t an easy process.  If you haven’t read part of my testimony and are interested, click HERE.

Once upon a time my life was FULL of FEAR.  I think A LOT of the fear was handed down to me from past generations (thanks a lot ancestors!), but I opened doors as well.  Eventually, all of the little fears grew and manifested in full blown agoraphobia at the tender age of 18.

According to Wikipedia:  Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder defined as a morbid fear or having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms in a situation that is perceived to be difficult (or embarrassing) from which to escape. These situations can include, but are not limited to, wide-open spaces, crowds, or uncontrolled social conditions.  (If interested, you can read more HERE.)

It truly hit me out of nowhere.  Sure, I experienced great pressure when I was in high school and had band performances or marched in parades.  I never liked the idea of someone watching me.  For instance, I remember the first time our middle school band performed in the gym.  I remember feeling flush and RED all at the same time.  I felt like all eyes were on me.  When I graduated from high school — the actual moment of my graduation I thought I was going to faint.  I actually had people fanning me before I got on the stage.  But a panic attack?  I didn’t have a clue what they were until the first one at at 18 that changed the course of my life.

Out of the many people I have encountered struggling with panic disorders, they normally fall into two categories.  One: They want freedom and are willing to do whatever it takes to find it.  Two: They want the panic attacks to stop, but aren’t willing to fight for what is theirs.  

I can relate with group number TWO because I would have loved to have had a happy switch to flip to make the nightmare end.  But it was through the “fight” to reclaim what was already mine that I learned SO MUCH about God’s Word and about spiritual warfare.

I often tell people that Kenneth and Gloria Copeland taught me so much during that time.  It is true!  I remember the first time I heard Kenneth speak about demons tormenting us here — yes, here on earth!  That was such a strange concept to me.  I thought satan (I never capitalize his name on purpose …) was in hell and all of his demons were with him.  I was WRONG and misinformed for sure!  The panic attacks were caused by demonic torment, but because I didn’t know God’s Word, I didn’t know about the TOOLS/WEAPONS I had as a Christian.

It all goes hand in hand friends.  No matter what battle you are facing, you MUST know God’s Word.  It holds the keys and the answers you need.  

I had been walking around allowing a bully to push me around when my Father — the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega, the I AM, had sent His Son, JESUS — to take care of this battle 2000+ years ago!

Friends, if YOU are battling fear and torment, let me assure you that IF you are a Christian, YOU HAVE AUTHORITY OVER IT in Jesus’ Name.  And yes, it is a spiritual battle.  

Luke 10:19
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

He has given you authority over ALL the power of the enemy.  Does God lie?  NO.

You must do your part and BELIEVE that God’s Word is true.  It is your weapon.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ …

The battle often takes place in your mind.  It begins with a thought.  

I remember when I started having panic attacks on a regular basis back in those days.  I would hear in my mind “I’m going to have a panic attack.  Oh no, here it comes.  I can’t breath, my heart is racing … blah blah blah.”  Tormenting demons!  Those weren’t even my own thoughts!  The devil doesn’t speak to you in 3rd person because he doesn’t want to be discovered.  If he said, “You are going to have a panic attack” you would realize someone (someTHING) else was speaking to you.  But instead, you receive the thoughts as YOUR OWN and entertain them until the thoughts have manifested into a full blown attack.  THAT is why we should capture our thoughts.

IF you struggle with fear and panic, I pray that you will begin to dive into God’s Word and find the TRUTH about WHO YOU ARE in Christ and WHO HE IS in YOU.  I promise you, there is FREEDOM!  And what God did for me, He will do for you!  

It may be asking you to step out of the “traditions” taught by man at your current church, but the Word of God is a higher authority than any silly doctrinal rules MAN has created.  

Colossians 2:8
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Emphasis mine.)

Please don’t let doctrine steal what God has for you …  I could have fallen victim to it.  I was raised under a traditional doctrine that didn’t teach ANY of the tools I needed to find freedom.  But God’s Word does and it is available to you.  Even if you don’t own a bible, you can always go to www.biblegateway.com and have the Word of God at your fingertips.

(Photo taken at our mountain house.  It reflects the peace of God to me.)