REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES

In MY VICTORY VOYAGE I’m sharing the trials I’ve faced and how God’s faithfulness carried me through. Join me on the 2nd Friday of each month in 2025 as we reflect on His restoration and grace.

It was a cold November evening around 9 p.m. when my husband and I were driving home with our pups after a nice day trip. The roads were calm, or so I thought. Out of nowhere, a corvette, racing at what must have been at least 100 miles per hour, ran a red light and missed our car by mere inches. The moment felt surreal—time seemed to freeze as I realized just how close we came to disaster. My heart pounded, my hands trembled on the wheel, and a deep, chilling fear took root in my soul.

In the days that followed, that fear grew. At first, it was driving at night that became a source of anxiety. Then, it spread further—I began to feel afraid of leaving the house altogether. Fear had gripped me in a way I had never experienced before, and I knew it wasn’t something I could ignore.

The Struggle with Fear

For weeks, I wrestled with fear. Every time I got behind the wheel, memories of that near-accident flooded my mind. I prayed but felt like I was still stuck in the shadows of “what if.” Fear made familiar things feel unreal, and the unknown seem insurmountable.

Eventually, I reached a breaking point and realized that if I didn’t confront this fear, it could control me for the rest of my life. I turned to God’s Word, seeking His guidance and comfort. Scripture became my lifeline, and through it, I began to understand fear for what it really is: a liar.

Finding Strength in God’s Word

One verse that stood out to me was Isaiah 41:10:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

This promise reminded me that I was not alone in my struggle. God was with me, strengthening me, helping me take one small step at a time. While I still struggle with driving on highways, I’ve seen progress that only God could bring. His Word has been a constant source of peace, gently replacing my fear with trust.

Encouragement for the Journey

To anyone reading this who feels paralyzed by fear, please know that you are not alone. Fear often tries to convince us that we’re powerless, but that is far from the truth. God’s truth is stronger than any lie fear tries to tell us. Start by surrendering your fear to Him and seek His promises in scripture. He is faithful to guide you through the unknown.

Remember: courage isn’t the absence of fear but choosing to trust God in the midst of it.

A Closing Note of Hope

While my journey with fear isn’t over, I am learning to face the unknown with God by my side. Each day, I choose to trust Him a little more, and with each step forward, I am reminded that His perfect love casts out fear. The road ahead may still feel uncertain, but I am confident in this: God is my refuge, and He is with me every step of the way.

Victory Song

One song that has been a powerful reminder for me during this time is “Fear Is a Liar” by Zach Williams. Its lyrics remind us of the lies fear tells and the truth of God’s love. I encourage you to give it a listen and let its message encourage your heart. Be blessed… T

In The Twelve Steps to Victory column, we’re reframing the traditional 12 Steps with a focus on victory vs continually looking back at our missteps and failures. Each Step aligns with the months on the yearly calendar. This series publishes on the first Friday of each month in 2025.

We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves, understanding that victory starts with self-awareness.  — Step Four

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” — Psalm 139:23

Step Four challenges us to take an honest look at ourselves—our actions, motives and our character, which is revealed in how we respond to challenges. This self-awareness is critical for breaking free from the bondage of destructive patterns and moving forward to victory. Working Step Four allows God to refine us for His purpose.

It can be overwhelming and scary to consider the painful process of taking a personal moral inventory of our lives. Confronting past mistakes is challenging but in time it will be rewarding. Like cleaning a wound, the healing process is painful and often slow but eventually it will come.

When I first began working Step Four, I started by writing a journal, which basically was like reviewing my entire life story. Much of that story was difficult to relive. Writing it down in prayerful meditation with the Lord helped alleviate some of that pain.

In time God brought me a trusted girlfriend who I could talk through my challenges and struggles out with. We have been each other’s accountability partner off and on over many years. This has helped me tremendously. Having someone to share my struggles with helped make the process less painful.

One of the most difficult things I had to work through was unresolved anger toward my father who was already deceased. God helped me process my painful childhood memories by seeing my father as a person who also struggled with unresolved painful childhood memories. When I saw him as a hurting child, it was easier to forgive him.

Facing the truth about ourselves and others is never easy. But we won’t grow forward to victory unless we take this step. When we come to God’s altar His peace will soothe our painful hearts and bring needed healing.