No Longer Painfully Shy

I used to be so painfully shy to the point that my mind would freeze. I would be overwhelmed by feelings of such intense embarrassment that my whole body would ache.

To avoid those embarrassing feelings, I’d learned to avoid certain situations or attach myself to certain people who could help me get through those trying moments.

I thought there was nothing I could do about my condition until I attended a Word of Faith church at the age of 42. I learned that I was not stuck being this way because that was not part of God’s plan for me. That was so life changing for me!

I began to study the Word and believed God for a complete restoration. I did everything I knew how and trusted Him for the rest. Over the next 14 years, I made some progress but I was far from satisfied. I was frustrated and blamed myself because I did not know what else to do.

When I was 56, I discovered the gospel of grace as I began watching Pastor Joseph Prince’s broadcasts regularly with my husband. I began to focus on Jesus and His finished work at the cross. While I was doing this, the Holy Spirit began to transform me.

Recently, we visited a new church. The pastor had asked all the first-time visitors to stand and be welcomed. We stood and greeted those around us. It was not until we had sat down that I realized I was feeling perfectly fine all that time. I did not mind standing, I was not embarrassed to be the center of attention, and I was comfortable being greeted by those sitting closest to us.

When we were driving home and I was sharing this testimony with my husband, I also realized that I’d not dreaded the thought of going to a new church or meeting new people. I did not spend time praying and preparing myself for the experience, nor did I ask my husband to stay close and help me through any awkward moments. The entire experience was painlessly shy-free!

I realized that I am being transformed more and more into Jesus’ image! Hallelujah and praise God! God’s ways are so much higher than ours!