Philippians 4:13 (KJV) “I can do all things through Christ who
strengtheneth me.”
Isn’t it great to know that “I can do?” Oh, how we need to remind ourselves of 
that one. I’d like to give an example of how doing things became a problem for me.
Before I had panic attacks if someone would ask me to go to the store to get a quart of milk, I’d say, “No, problemento!” I’d just go and get the milk and come
back with a smile on my face.
After I started having panic attacks, my friend would ask me to go to the store to get a quart of milk. I wouldn’t answer right away. After all I had to
analyze the situation. My mind would jump into full gear; Why am I being asked? Doesn’t she know it’s hard for me? She could do it easier! Okay, I should do
it…but,…what if the car breaks down? Let’s see, who lives on the way to the store? I could go to the Riley’s for help. Ahhh, but they have that biting dog, Rex.
Okay, maybe the car won’t break down. Let’s see…what is it doing out? Is it going to rain? It’s hard to drive in the rain! What time is it? What if people are
just getting out of work and there is a lot of traffic? What if I get in an accident?
Oh, I hope there isn’t a long line in the store!
On and on my mind would go thinking the worst and blowing the whole
thing way out of proportion. I’d finally simply refuse to do the errand.
Today, if the same situation comes up I can simply smile and say, “Sure,
need anything else?” I don’t worry about having a panic attack or about all the
other details. I can now simply function in a normal manner again. Praise God!
Isn’t that wonderful? You may ask, “What made you turn around?”
At first I was doing everything in my own strength. I was self-sufficient. I
could depend on me! I was young, strong, and able. I was smart and could figure
out anything. There was always an answer.
Then something happened. I’m not sure what it was. I lived under a great
deal of stress for many years and was always a “nervous” person. Possibly, and
this is only my guess, my body chemicals slowly changed to the point that I
began having panic attacks. At any rate, I did begin to have them. They ruined
my life for a very long time, and I was living in a situation where I could not do
things. I had to depend on others. Instead of “I can do!” it was, “But, I can’t.”
Have I said that phrase a lot!
Then, I received Jesus into my heart. I studied the Word. It became clear to
me that he wanted me to depend on him alone. I found this scripture: “I can do
all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.” (Emphasis mine). I can do! I
can do! I took hold of that promise. I’d pray and claim it, then allow Christ to
accompany me to the store. He helped me, he gave me the courage and strength
to reach out again, and the best news of all, I slowly got better! I had begun to
focus on things other than my feelings.
As time went on, more time elapsed between each panic attack. I believed that
God readjusted the chemicals in my body back to where they were when I was
healthy.
I’m thankful with every ounce of my being that I found a way to get better.
Thank you Jesus! I can do!
