The Biopsy

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

~Philippians 4:6 NIV

Worrying doesn’t work. Nonetheless, the word “biopsy” triggered fear in me as I listened to the nurse on the phone explain why I needed to make an appointment.

My mind dove into a dark place of “what-ifs,” conjuring up all the worst possible outcomes. What if the growth on top of my head was cancerous? Who would care for my family if I didn’t survive? Uncomfortable pressure from the lump intensified as I imagined how my family would cope.

Fear of the unknown made for a restless night, and I arrived at the doctor’s office the following day with puffy eyes and a knotted-up stomach. After examining the bump, the dermatologist determined a biopsy wasn’t needed. She scheduled an appointment with me to remove it.

Upcoming Surgery

Instead of leaving the office relieved, my mind went into another tailspin. What if the professionals handling my case discovered something unexpected during the operation? Or, what if the incision got infected during recovery?

Waiting a full two weeks for surgery felt agonizing, but it eventually came and went. The tumor biopsy results came back negative. It didn’t take long to realize that all the time and energy I had spent worrying was unnecessarily exhausting, not only for myself but also for my loved ones.

Don’t Worry

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

~John 14:27b NIV

Leaning on worry when facing problems doesn’t work. However, leaning on God does.

Prayer and petition with thanksgiving demonstrate our faith in God’s goodness and provision despite what we’re experiencing at the moment.

Communicating honestly with Him about what we need withdraws spiritual resources from the spiritual realm into our physical reality. Every trial is an invitation from God to trust in His ability to handle the adverse events that come our way and help us cope with situations.

When we face unpredictable circumstances, we may use worry to keep our emotional guard up, brace for the worst-case scenario, and give us a sense of control in an alarming situation. However, no amount of worrying can prevent what happens to us in the future. Worry steals our joy, kills our faith, and destroys our strength. Unbridled worry can wreak havoc on our relationships, impair our performance, and create medical problems from the stress.

What are you worried about? Get honest with God. Invite Him into your problem and tell Him your worries.

Father God, I release all fear, despair, and pain into Your capable hands, and I take hold of the peace, strength, and hope You provide daily, which helps me get through any difficulty.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Worrying Doesn’t Work: Brandie Muncaster: All Rights Reserved