Remember Past Victories

In Psalm 77:11, we see that when the psalmist struggled with worry and anxiety, he remembered past victories that God had given him. One very helpful way that I’ve learned to deal with my problems is to think about the troubles I have faced in the past that God resolved without my help.

I’d like to share one personal victory that’s gotten me through some particularly anxious moments. More than 30 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’d gone to the doctor for my regular check‑up, which included a mammogram. To my great surprise, I got a call from my doctor saying they had found a small tumor that looked suspicious, and that I needed to have a biopsy.

After the test, the doctors concluded that I had a very fast-growing type of cancer, and that the best course of action at that time was to remove the breast. Talk about being surprised by trouble! I was in shock.

At the time, our ministry was young and financially dependent on offerings given at a weekly meeting I held. After surgery, I would not be able to do those meetings for at least two weeks, and the doctor didn’t recommend going back that soon. I confess that I was worried about the cancer, the type of treatment I might need after the operation, and what would happen to the ministry during my downtime. I was afraid and anxious, and I worried continually.

Then one day, in the very early hours of the morning, I woke up and felt the familiar feeling of fear. I cried out to God to help me, and He whispered to my heart that He would take care of me. I suddenly knew that everything would be all right. I didn’t know how God would take care of me, but I knew that He would.

After my surgery, I was sent to an oncologist to see what further treatment I would need, and she said, “None. Your problem is solved!”

During the recovery period, we were very thankful that I no longer had cancer, but we still needed money to cover the ministry expenses until I could get back to work. And then the most amazing thing happened. One night, we were sitting in our family room watching television, and the doorbell rang. When Dave answered, a man we didn’t know handed him a check for $10,000 and told him that God had directed him to give it to the ministry. Another victory!

I still think of this answer to prayer when I have a problem and am anxious or worried, and I know that God will be faithful again just as He was then. More than three decades have passed since this took place, and each year, my mammogram always comes back clear of any problems. I recently had my test for this year, and once again the report said everything was normal. Thanks be to God!

The next time you’re faced with a difficult scenario and are tempted to worry, try meditating on God’s promises found in Scripture. Speak them over your life and remember just how faithful He has been. Because regardless of your circumstances or the outcome, God can give you peace in the midst of it all. Psalm 33:4 says, For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Instead of focusing on your problems and continually searching for answers, allow your mind to rest. Remember your past victories and fight the good fight of faith.

Adapted from the book The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2023 by Joyce Meyer. Published by Hachette Book Group, Inc. All rights reserved.