Welcome!
Welcome to The Threshing Floor!
I am so glad you are here. If you are reading this, I want you to know that the hard moments, seasons, and things you’ve walked through in your life can bring the most meaningful fruit, when placed in the loving hands of God. This blog is the result of a promise I made during one of the hardest things I’ve ever walked through. During that season, when I was crying out to God to rescue me, I promised Him that He could use my story for His glory if He saved me. I promised that I would tell whoever He wanted me to, and in whatever capacity, about what He’d done for me. God did not need me to promise anything in order to help me; my promise came out of my desperation and also my lack of understanding of just how good He is/was at the time. However, He placed a fire in my heart to help and encourage the weary and the uncertain, the brokenhearted, and the ones barely clinging to hope. If there has been one constant that God has shown me in every trial I’ve faced, it has been His faithfulness. So, this space will be a place where you can come, be known, be encouraged, and be comforted in the fact that you are loved and not alone.
So, what is my story exactly? Well, I was raised in a Christian home, and I gave my life to Jesus around the age of 9, but that’s not really where my testimony truly begins. In 2017, my cousin committed su!c!de. When I heard the details of what happened, fear gripped my mind. I panicked at the thought of, “Could that happen to me to?” My cousin’s su!c!de seemed so out of character for her that it made me worry it could happen to me also, or that I could just “lose my mind.” It was then that I experienced my first panic attack, which lasted over 24 hours. I had never experienced anxiety or anything similar to that before, so I really did not know what was going on. The only thing I knew was I did not like the way I felt, and I could barely function, the fear was so great. The next morning I went to church and asked my pastor’s wife to pray for me, since I knew she had experienced panic attacks in the past before. Without me telling her I was having these thoughts she prayed against thoughts of “could this happen to me too.” That’s when I first realized, that while the fear was great, God was there with me. Following that, I went through a battle for my life for the next four months. I went to the doctor, I went to counseling, and I sought the Lord. I sought God more than I’d ever sought Him before. I was desperate for Him. I truly began to know what it means in Deuteronomy 8:3 which says, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” I was desperate to hear from God. I was desperate for His Word. I wanted to know what He had to say about my situation. I knew that was the only way I would make it. And though those months felt like I was walking through a valley of the shadow of death that I would never get out of, God did lead me out. He set me on a journey of healing my mind and my heart. I am now free from anxiety and panic attacks. God not only rescued me, but He has been redeeming every little part of my life as well. He has and is turning it all around for good.
I want to tell you that if you are struggling with anxiety, panic, depression, or any other struggle, God is with you. He has not, nor ever will forsake you. Seek Him. He will show you the way out. Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” He makes a WAY where there was no way. I can testify to it. Every time I feel like God is far, and I am in a desperate situation, He shows me His faithfulness. If He has done it for me, He can do it for you. God does not play favorites. We are all created in His image. Jeremiah 31:3 says He draws us with his lovingkindness. Today, I hope you feel encouraged and comforted in the fact that God is right there with you, holding out His hand for you to take. He is battling for you, and will teach you to battle alongside Him.
“Father God,
I lift up the person who is reading this right now. You know their heart, and you know every detail of the situation they are facing. I pray that your loving arms would wrap around them, and comfort their heart. I pray for healing in their mind. Your Word says you have come to bind up the brokenhearted, and set the captives free. I pray you’d heal their wounds, and lead them out of the valley. You make a way in the wilderness, and I pray that you’d give them your eyes to see their situation. Help them to be bold enough to trust you, God. It’s in Jesus’ mighty name I pray.
Amen.”
If you’re still reading this, thank you. I know that was long! I am truly honored to begin this journey with you, and I pray that you are encouraged.
Action Step: Get still and quiet before the Lord this week. Light a candle. Invite Him in. Tell Him what’s on your heart. He’s waiting.
With love,
Anna
