Jonathan was a man who suffered from anxiety disorder. He would have waves of uncontrollable fear that would paralyze him. He had tried everything, but he couldn’t find a way to cope with it.
One day, he was in the middle of an episode when he called his friend, Rhett, to help him talk through it. Rhett listened patiently and then said, “You know, Jonathan, you might want to try going to church. I mean, you’ve tried everything else.”
Jonathan agreed and asked if he could go with him to church the following Sunday. Rhett agreed.
When they arrived at church, Jonathan noticed that he wasn’t as afraid as he normally was. He listened to the sermon and participated in the worship service. At the end of the service, there was an altar call. Jonathan felt a prompting to go forward, so he did.
As he knelt at the altar, the minister prayed over him and laid hands on him. Jonathan felt a sense of peace and calm that he had never felt before. He knew that he had found a place where he could belong and be accepted.
Jonathan continued to go to church and he began to feel better. He still had anxiety attacks, but they were not as severe as they used to be. He was able to manage his anxiety and live a normal life.
Jonathan was forever grateful to Rhett for suggesting that he try going to church. He also appreciated the support of the church community. He knew that he could always count on them for help and encouragement.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18