My hands grip the steering wheel as you speed past me on the freeway.
I’m the driver in the slow lane you honk at in irritation as you confidently roar by. You probably wonder why I am such an idiot and maybe you even think I’m purposely trying to annoy you with my awful driving skills.
But what you don’t know is that before you whiz past me, I have spent my drive praying repeatedly for safety–that I have just saved my children out of a burning car or gained consciousness from a rollover only to see my baby unresponsive–at least, in my mind.
I’m not afraid to be dead. I know I’ll be in Heaven. But I am afraid of how I will die. Or living without someone that walks around this earth with part of my heart inside of them. Every time I get in a car, I feel like I increase my chances of death by a large percentage. The stakes are too high and it clouds my thinking and ravages my confidence—especially on the freeway, where good decisions and maneuvers must sometimes be executed quickly.
As I look back on my driving history, I can see how I’ve intentionally avoided driving on freeways in order to protect myself. It seems like a logical choice in the moment when you are afraid.
Hmmm. Risk my life and possibly die or just not go to that event?
I have missed many opportunities to show my support to family and friends because I was uncomfortable driving to a place I’ve never been to.
I wish I had the courage to tackle my fear a long time ago. Maybe then I would have enough driving experience to be confident.
When we allow fear to dictate our decision-making, we lose our power to overcome. Share on X
When we give in to fear, we lose our power to overcome. We adjust our life around it. We lose our ability to learn and grow through practice and hard work.
We may not even realize the magnitude of our fear until someone else points it out to us and we notice it’s affecting other people.
I’ve managed pretty well by avoiding situations. Up until these past few years. Now my children love soccer and want to be on travel teams. (Yikes!)
I agreed and I’m pressing forward to fight this fear. I’ll be honest; I don’t feel confident. I feel scared. But I’m determined not to let my feelings hold me back.
Two of my children are in mini soccer season. They both have Saturday games in different places. I am learning to cope with two fears. You see, it’s also hard for me to let my kids go in cars with other people. I worry that they’ll be in an accident. I worry that I won’t be able to get to them if I get a call.
But I’m pushing past my fears. I’m going to drive one child to an out of town game while my other child will be driven by a trusted team member to the other game.
I could use your prayers.
Fear places lies into your mind too. What if this and what if that. These are the thoughts where we envision ourselves facing our fear and the “worst case scenario” happens.
I had the awful thought that just because I am writing this post…what if I got in an accident? What if I died facing my fear? How would that encourage others to face their fears? What if I allow another parent to drive my child to a game and they get in an accident?
These are the irrational thoughts we have to pinpoint and confront!
We have to push back irrational thoughts and confront them. Share on X
These awful thoughts are wrapped up in doubt and fear with a giant bow from the enemy that whispers lies like, “God is not in control. Accidents are. If you make the wrong decision your fate is in your hands.”
These lies prevent us from moving forward. We need to push them back. Replace them with God’s truth… with a sense of optimism and gratitude. Replace them with practice. Replace them with action.
Repeat truth to yourself until it sinks in.
And the truth is…
I will die when God chooses to take me to Heaven. I will die at the precise moment He, my Heavenly Father, calls me into His arms. Not a minute sooner.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot…”
I trust in God’s ultimate power and control over my life.
That means I don’t need to live in fear of accidents!
We fight the fire of fear by reducing its flammable material when we trust in God and believe He is who He says He is.
That He loves us. That He will take care of us. That He will not forsake us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
If I die while facing my fear? Hey, that would be a great way to die—having courage! Trusting God.
No matter what happens to me on this earth, it happens to me with Jesus by my side. And that gives me hope. That gives me the courage to grow. To take a risk. To take another step in faith.
My friends, God does not want us to worry and fret over our lives. He wants us to believe that He loves us. He loves you enough to know every single hair on your head.
“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30)
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-34)
I’m tired of wasting my life with worry. I choose to trust in His love for me and to work through my fear, one step at a time.
Will you join me?
If you struggle with this fear, I would love for you to leave a comment below.
If you have a fear of driving, then stay tuned for future posts that will give you some practical steps to alleviate anxiety while driving.
I’m also happy to tell you that I’m making progress overcoming this fear! I can’t wait to tell you all about it in this post!
If you enjoy these posts, would you do me a favor and like my FB page? I would love to reach more people with the Gospel of Christ. Thank you!
Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
Three years ago, I was in an accident that was not my fault, and for three years I was paralyzed by fear and refused to drive. I had done everything right, but I was still involved in an accident. Now that I am trying to drive again, I am having trouble not shutting down again because sometimes shutting down seems easier than facing a fear. But reading your piece helped me realize that I am not alone in my struggle, and that even though I do not know what each drive holds, I can put my faith and trust in the Lord. Thank you so much.
I struggle with this as well….I’m taking the proper steps soon to overcome it….thanks for pointing me in that direction..
Good for you Leon! I recommend “The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” which includes a section on Exposure Therapy and can help you figure out small steps to take to overcome. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/2OUK3e2
I’d love to hear how you progress. Praying for you.
Hello I am 26 years old and I always had a phobia of driving so I decided to google websites and Christian prayers on how to get over your fear of driving. I came across your website and as I was reading other peoples phobias of driving and I also read everything you said about your phobia of driving, it really help me a lot. It motivated me and pushed me to want to drive myself. I have always wanted to be a nanny and take care of kids, but I cannot do that because I’m not driving. So now I’m taking Driving lessons and I’m about to do my 3 lesson. I was nervous at first but I did better than I thought I would !!! I believe because all of my prayers , trusting God every day , and reading about others fears of driving on this blog and reading about you Valerie talk about your fear of driving and how you overcame it helped me a lot. It inspired me to do the same . So a long time ago I got my permit at 16 but , then I was afraid to drive so I just never tried to drive. So after reading your blog in August 2019 I went back and got my permit at the age of 25 two days before my birthday and now at 26 I’m taking driving lessons. I’m doing better than I thought I would !! I really like it and enjoy it !! Even though I’m nervous every time I get in the car I just think how you and everyone else on this blog faced there fear of driving and how I can do it too so I just trust God and drive ! Seeing others go through the same thing that I’m going through and how they are now facing there fear of driving and you did as well has help me tremendously . So thanks so much for everything can’t wait to give you updates when I get my license !!! ps. I also noticed every time I faced my fear of driving and get in the car, pray , and trust God it gets better and better. The fear of driving gets better as LONG as you keep doing it and don’t STOP. I will just keep moving forward in life with driving and thank you Valerie for everything!!! This has really blessed me a lot and I got really motivated to drive after God showed me your blog thanks !! When I get my license and my first of many nanny jobs I will let you know thanks!! ❤️❤️❤️?
Mira, Your comment blew me away! I’m so blessed by your thoughtfulness to take the time and let me know how my posts have made a difference in your life. God is so good. I have no doubt God will use your testimony to help others who are also afraid to drive and motivate them to take some of the scary steps you did. I’m so proud of you! I can’t wait to hear from you when you get your license. Praise God!
I Got My Driver’s license Today !!! God is Good all the time!! ❤️❤️ Thank you Mrs. Valerie you will always be in my heart ❤️!! I just face my fears and God did the rest!
What great news! I’m so proud of you. I’m so happy for you. I know God will continue to help you as you drive and get more comfortable behind the wheel. Thank you so much for letting me know.
I don’t know if you still check on the comments here, but I wanted to say thank your for this post. I’m a new driver, I got my license when I was seventeen and now I’m twenty but still fear driving. It annoys me as I want the freedom to just run off and go to places like the library and drive my little sister to places and help my parents out but I feel like I get blocked. It takes a lot in me to sit in the car and drive without me going into panic. I’m worse with others in the car(like my little sister and even more so with my dad) I feel guilty and a bit childish that it takes so much brain power to actually drive. I often think and rethink my course in my head to drive and I get a feeling that’s not always a good thing. I often wish I could drive with no one else on the road but that’s unrealistic. It overwhelms me when an opportunity comes up for me to practice driving. My throat starts to hurt and there’s just all this built up dread in my stomach. This summer I’m suppose to be practicing and I have accomplished somethings. I can pick up and drive my little sister to summer practice( that’s what I managed to accomplish last summer) and I know I can do it with God but I get frustrated that I even get nervous like this, especially since I’m the oldest and my siblings do a lot better with this kind of stuff. So there’s also that fear of failure and disappointment that’s seeping in as well( it’s probably why I don’t like driving honestly that and seeing it as another means of growing up which also unsettled me) but I just wanted to share this with someone who really understands this fear. Is there any tips and encouraging words to help me out? Especially since I know the only way to get better is to drive but what do you do when you driving is the very think that cripples you?
Dear Sarah,
I’m so glad you reached out. Your question, “especially since I know the only way to get better is to drive but what do you do when driving is the very thing that cripples you?” is the same question I sought answers for and which lead me to want to write a book about how I found freedom (which I’m in the process of writing). For me, it has been a spiritual journey of learning to trust in Jesus in order to face my fears afraid —avoiding them only made it worse. I came to the point where I saw how fear had crippled my life in many areas. One day I made a determined decision to change. Then God began to lead and guide me to slowly face my driving fear in gradual steps. It was a process that took time. But saying yes to God when I was afraid, helped me experience his presence and love in tangible ways that strengthened my faith and ultimately helped me to fear less. Proverbs says, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I wanted wisdom to know how to face fears that terrified me. I found the answer was in learning how to fear God above my own fears (that’s what the book I’m working on is about). I also discovered that the gradual path God was leading me on is often used in therapy and it is called, Exposure Therapy. Along with learning how to fear the Lord in my life, I began researching this method and found it aligned exactly with how the Lord was leading me. It’s normal to feel anxiety when you are facing fear. It can feel conflicting when facing fear makes you feel like you are allowing opportunity for more anxiety to come to the surface. But in a way it’s like exposing fear’s poison in order to find the antidote. But you may need to talk with a therapist or have a support person to help you along. A therapist can help you with Exposure Therapy and with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which helps us recognize distorted thinking. I used a fear ladder and prayed through gradual steps. You can go to your library and there’s a chapter in the book, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne that shows you how to do exposure therapy.
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne describes this kind of therapy as the most effective treatment for phobias:
“Exposure is the process of unlearning the connection between anxiety and a particular situation. For exposure to occur, you need to enter a phobic situation gradually in incremental steps. With real-life exposure, you confront a phobic situation directly, letting your anxiety rise and enduring the anxiety for a period of time to learn that you can actually handle your anxiety in a situation you’ve been accustomed avoiding. The point is 1) to unlearn a connection between a phobic situation (such as driving on the freeway) and an anxiety response and 2) gain confidence in your ability to handle the situation regardless of whether anxiety comes up.”
This is hard to do and takes time. But God is our Good Shepherd who leads us gently.
I would love for you to subscribe to my newsletter here (http://eepurl.com/bvA0yv where I will give updates about the book I’m working on. If it gets published, I will send you a copy.
Good for you for the steps you have taken and for reaching out! I’m praying for you and I’m here if you ever want to talk about it.
Thank you so much for this! I am almost 45 and have never had my license, I’ve had my permit several times, but that’s it.
Thank you for sharing Jennifer. I have a friend who recently got her license too. I know it’s not easy. You can do it. I’m rooting for you.
I finally got my license at 55. I took a bazillion driving lessons but that’s what it took. I’m still scared to drive but just keep at it.
Well-done! I love that you took lessons to help you and that you are doing it afraid. The best method to help with the fear of driving is exposure therapy—learning to face fear in progressive steps. So proud of you!
I am 33 years old and a sister in Jesus Christ . I took drivers ED 13+ years ago but I had NO idea that at the time I was 3 years away from having a adverse reaction to the Hepatitis B Vaccine which totally ruined my mind for many years, now I have found out that I am and always have been and it makes sense of my entire life now but I was conceived as a Highly Sensitive Person which means the world overwhelms me and when I took drivers ED just after my father’s death from a brain tumor I was overwhelmed helping with everything and driving wasn’t my cup of tea–(( makes sense why?? I had anxiety with the 10 hours in the car with the instructor ))–, 13 + years later I am 33 now and in situations and circumstances that I am now itching, aching, LONGING & DREAMING of driving. HOWEVER , LIKE YOU I HAVE A FEAR OF DRIVING BUT I KNOW THAT MY FAMILY IS PRETTY MUCH SPLIT UP , my father is in Heaven, my younger brother is out on his own, my mom is going downhill in her health and my older brother could easily get his own place anytime?? I am REALLY seeking God for His will for my life . I have been in a 6+ into my 7th year of a spiritual wilderness season. I don’t know anyone who has gone into 7 years. God really through me a ZINGER when he placed me in this wilderness……….MY FIRST ONE. Yes, I had small ones like few days , etc…… BUT NOTHING like this one.
Talk about brutal , excruciatingly painful , torturous, lovesickness and His silence .
Oh, how I LONG to FEEL His nearness again and His SWEET VOICE !!!
God chooses the WEAK things of this world to confound the WISE.
I know when I tried driving it wasn’t God’s timing because I had NO one to take me out and practice. I live with the knowledge when it is TRULY God’s TIMING for something in YOUR life HE has for you?? HE allows it to come naturally……He overrides that FEAR in YOU. It almost feels effortless.
Dear Ruth, Thank you so much for sharing your heart here. I hear your pain. And I’m so very sorry. I’m sorry about the long wilderness too. I’ve been in those seasons. For me, my longest wilderness was 6 years of infertility when it felt like God was silent to my cries and the longing in my heart to be a mother. I remember thinking how it wasn’t just a season…but years and years of them. I know it’s so painful when you long to feel God’s presence in your pain. I know sometimes it’s hard to feel and hear him. I know it’s cliche to say that He is there. But it’s the truth we hold onto. It’s the truth we cling to in your darkest hour. And eventually, we see a glimmer of light beaming through a small crack. And we hope in Him. In the truth of what we know but don’t always feel. My precious sister in the Lord, you are not alone. And Jesus IS with you every single minute and every hour of the day. And I pray that you will be able to find a class or school or someone to help you drive again. Take one small step of progress at a time. I’m praying for you. Praying for the Lord to comfort you and make his presence known to you. I’d love for you to check in and update me on any progress or any need for prayer. Love, Valerie
https://www.valeriemurray.com/how-to-face-your-fears-one-step-at-a-time/
Hi! Thank you for sharing your story! I can totally relate. I’ve had my license for about eight years but I can count on both hands how many times I’ve driven. I have a bunch of anxiety when it comes to driving. Now as my children are getting older I know that I need to conquer my fear! It feels good to know that I’m not the only one who has this fear! Pray that I can conquer this fear of driving! God Bless and thank you again.
Thank you so much for sharing. You’re not alone! I know it seems like it at times because so many people don’t understand this fear. I’m praying for you, Octoavia. I would love for you to keep in touch and let me know any steps of progress you make and any prayer requests you have
I’m 43 years old and my husband just bought me Kia Soul on my favorite color silver. I never drove in my life and I’m terrified of the idea. I name the car ” Trust ” because I want to be a reminder that I can trust God. I had aweful anxiety attack when he was buying the car and I beg him not to buy. I have had major surgery last almost 6 weeks ago and my husband had to go to an emergency surgery on my 4th week of recovery. It was so aweful to asked friends a ride to hospital and other places. I wish I have public transportation where I live but that is not my case. Pray for me that I can over come the driving phobia. Thank you!
Marcia, Thank you so much for sharing. I’m praying for you. I know the struggle is real. God will help you when you’re afraid. Sometimes it helps to plan gradual steps of progress. Pray about what each next step should be for you. Fill your mind with God’s truth before you drive and plan ahead (look at google maps, chart your course, maybe even take driving classes). The fear subsides the more you do it. I’m praying for you. I’m so sorry you and your husband are also dealing with some health issues. I would love for you to subscribe to my newsletter(below or on the welcome page) because I plan on writing some specific posts in the future about driving phobia and how to take gradual steps to face this fear. I know it can be so hard! You’re not alone. But it can get better! Just last March, I drove on one of the deadliest highways in CA (it’s a curvy highway in the mountains) in the rain and fog. And I was ok! I was nervous, but my fear was not paralyzing as it has been in the past.
I’m 60 yrs old. I’ve been battling this off and on for EVER it seems. Even before I was in 4 violent accidents. Sometimes I can trust Him. Other times not. No matter how many times He has answered my prayers and kept me safe, there are still times when it’s just too much. Supposed to drive to Ga. (8 hrs) next wk for my daughters baby shower. I’ve done it many times. But not this time. Don’t have it in me. I’m not afraid to die either. I’m afraid of the blood draining, heart stopping, exhausting fear itself. God doesn’t always relieve me of it. And I’m tired of being courageous. Just so tired.
Hi Lisa, I’m so sorry you’ve been battling the fear of driving for so long. I know it’s so hard! I understand what you are saying about having to face that fear afraid. Sometimes I know it’s exhausting and we wish it would just go away. I’ve noticed the more I do it, it gets a tiny bit easier. God sees how tired you are. And I just want you to know I’m praying for you. I know you don’t want to miss your daughter’s baby shower, and so I’m praying Jesus will minister to you during this time and lead and guide you. I pray he gives you strength when you feel weak and weary. Over the last 4 years of facing this fear, I still get afraid when driving sometimes, but that fear no longer has a hold on me. It used to keep me captive. But I got tired of being a prisoner to it. And I can honestly say that in stepping into that fear I’ve experienced the presence of God walking me through it and now it feels like the risk of missing out on that feels greater to me than the risk of stepping into fears feeling afraid. He’s shown me what freedom and abundant life feels like, and now I want that more than anything. I believe Jesus guides us, speaks to us and calls us each individually. He goes ahead of us. Leads us gently one step at a time. And those steps look different for everyone. For me, I had to face my fear of driving to unknown places gradually. And now I’m about to take my second flight by myself (took my first one last year). But I’ll be doing it afraid. So I know what you mean by feeling exhausted by being courageous. But the freedom I feel afterwords girds me with the will to try again. Thank you for your honesty here. God sees your heart and loves you no matter what. You aren’t alone. I’m praying that the Holy Spirit infuses you with his power and strength and peace. I pray against the spirit of fear that seeks to keep us down. From one fear fighter to another. My love and prayers go with you as we fight this battle!
I have always imagined a truck coming and hitting me on the side while I am driving. My scary imagination prevented me from driving all my life. I didn’t get to take my toddlers to a park or a library last four years just because I don’t drive . It makes me feel so guilty.
I have been used as an example by many mothers to teach their children about the importance of driving . Ouch.
My prayer is that this will be the year of faith over fear for me . This summer I will face my fear head on and if it is accident that will take me to my Savior then so be it
Love you friend! And I’m so sorry you’ve been used as an “example” to teach children about the importance of driving. I’m proud of you for your desire and willingness to face fear, THAT’S the example. No matter how far you get. It’s a gradual process, even though the first small step feels like a gigantic leap. I’m praying you through and I can’t wait to keep in contact with you.
I’m so glad I found this post! You put into words perfectly exactly how I feel about driving!
And with this fear also comes shame. I’ve had so many people urging me to get my license (even people that I don’t know tell me once they know!).
I really want to drive. This post encourages me to go for it!
Bethany, I’m so glad you found this post. If I could have done things differently from the beginning, I would have invested in a good driving program/class that would have helped me learn to drive on the freeway with more confidence by teaching me better driving skills. The more you do it, the easier it gets. But to start off, having good instruction and preparation helps ease anxiety. Praying that God gives you the strength and courage to face your fear. I know it’s hard though! For me, it helped taking slow steps of progress. For example, I would follow someone on the freeway until I learned my way. Then I would drive there on my own. Eventually, I started using my GPS and planning the route even using google Maps to look at the roads. Now, I feel a lot more comfortable driving somewhere and just letting the GPS guide me.
I know it was the Lord that led me here to read your post. It helps to know you’re not alone with having anxiety while driving. But I know it’s the enemy telling me I have anxiety. Because Jesus did NOT give us a spirit of fear but a sound MIND ❤️
Cierrah, I’m so glad that God led you to read this post. I know that many people struggle with this alone because few people talk about it. I wrote this post a few years ago and I’m still working on this area in my life. However, I have come so far and I can tell you that the fear is greatly eased as I have taken some big steps to face it. This year, I even took a trip on a plane by myself for the first time. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I pray that God would continue to be your strength and confidence as you trust Him in this area.
I can so relate to the driving fear since I suffer from it too. I just didn’t realize how many other people have the same fear. But my greatest fear when driving to Someplace I am not familiar with or To an area I am not familiar with is getting LOST!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh I am paralyzed with fearSince my sense of direction is terrible. Every time I get in the car I say Jesus Take the Wheel
Oh Maureen, I feel the same way! In fact, I have plans to travel on a plane by myself for the first time and just the thought can bring me to tears because I’m afraid of being lost, not knowing where to go or what to do and feeling far away from home. But I just KNOW that Jesus will be with me and help me get through. He’s led me very tenderly through every step I’ve taken so far. I’m so glad you found this post and discovered that there are many people who struggle with this same fear. You’re not alone!
i am not terrified of dying in an accident, i’m just terrified of driving at all, and i can’t get past it. i cannot drive anywhere. i will willingly stay home rather than drive. i know someday i’ll have to drive somewhere and i just can’t imagine doing it. i really can’t explain this either, i used to drive years ago, but my fear makes me get so nervous that i just can’t get in a car and drive.
Hi Sallee,
Thank you for sharing your heart here. I know it can be hard to talk about because it may seem like many people don’t understand how crippling it can be/feel. I think the reason I’ve been able to make some progress is because God showed me how I was living in fear in many other areas of my life. Once I recognized fear’s hold on me I made a determined decision to move past fear and into faith. There are no easy answers and the path of progress is different for everyone. I’ll be writing more about how I started to take slow and steady steps to push myself to drive when I was afraid. God doesn’t expect you to jump all in. He will gently guide you to the next step. His living presence and His word can help calm fears.
Oh my goodness, I feel like I could’ve written this. I avoided driving to unknown places for years, until my husband got a promotion and we were facing a move. He was living in Pittsburgh and I had to stay in WV. If I wanted to be with him I had to drive myself and our four kids. I had barely driven on the interstate until then! I was so afraid of killing us all. Since the move I have gotten so much better, but I still haven’t driven by myself in downtown Pittsburgh, and I still get so afraid whenever I have to drive somewhere new. I so want to conquer my fear. I am a fearful person and worry about everything. Thank you for writing this! This is so encouraging to know I’m not alone! I need those reminders also that God is in control.
Shelly, thank you for sharing! I usually feel alone in this particular fear as well. It’s nice to know we’re not alone! I wrote this post a year ago and I’ve been working on facing this fear in steps. It’s gotten easier, but it is still hard. In the fall, I plan on posting about my experiences and I’d love for you to come back and visit!
My parents just moved out of the childhood house I grew up in.. They are now 3 hours away from me instead of 1, So I’m determined to visit them. It feels so good taking the wheel and facing my fear instead of letting it control me.
I’m here if you would like to keep in touch. You can subscribe to recent blog posts on the sidebar. Praying for you too!
I am terrified of driving. I can’t get onto the highway and I can’t go over bridges or overpasses– I have panic attacks, everything starts to spin, I have even had my vision start to fail in the periphery. I have almost crashed twice. I drive on the surface streets with no problems and that’s it. It is debilitating. It didn’t start until I was pregnant. Maybe it is fear for my son, or maybe the hormonal changes triggered it– my mom and grandmother were also terrified of driving. I want to get over this. I have prayed, meditated, tried to brave my way through it, systematic desensitization, counseling, non-sedating anxiety meds. I want to be able to drive my son up north for camping, accept projects out of town for work– move from this state!! I am very sad.
I’m so sorry you’ve been struggling with this fear too! It sounds like you’ve tried to take some steps to help you. I understand the struggle is real and it’s not an easy process. My mom, sister and aunts all struggle with driving to some degree. I’ve always wondered how this plays a role in my fear and if it has anything to do with genetics and perhaps also, a learned fear from my family? A big part of my fear is getting lost and not knowing how to get home. I even have nightmares about not being able to find my way home. Over the past year though, I’ve been able to take some big strides and drive farther than I ever have before. It’s a slow process, but I’m hoping that I can help others move through their fear by learning how to move through mine. I’ll be writing future posts about it, and would love for you to follow along. You can subscribe to recent blog posts in the sidebar. I understand the desire to want to drive our kids places–I’m so sorry you are sad. All we can do is try our best to make efforts, pray and take small steps to make forward strides. They may not be big, but its something. I’ll be praying for you on your journey.
I feel you Valerie and will be praying as you work to overcome. I used to love driving my car before the stroke.(It was totaled by a family member while I recovering in hospital from the stroke) Since then I have passed my driving text with an excellent grade but when I think of getting a new car, thoughts of fear and doubt creep in. “Well what if this happens or what if I have to.” I know doubt is Satan’s favorite tool and I am praying for God to bless me with the vehicle that He wants me to have and trust Him for safety when I get back on the road! I am so looking forward to the follow up to this post..I am going to subscribe. Love what you are doing here too. May God richly bless you and yours in all your endeavors!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Horace! I’m so sorry about your stroke and I’ll be praying for you to find the right car and for God to give you peace on the road.Thank you for your kinds words and for subscribing!
Good for you — facing your fear and trusting God to carry you through it! We all have areas of fear, and you are leading the way in encouraging us to face them and hand them over to God!
Thank you for this series!
Thank you for your kind words Michele! I appreciate your visits so much!
I am afraid of getting lost,my car breaking down or of all the bad drivers on the road. I work in the city and sometime the trafick lights are out of order for more than a week , then the traffic is a nightmare.
Thank you for sharing Petro! Good for you for even being able to drive in the city! I know that must be such a challenge! I’m so glad you took the time to comment. Have a great day!
I know many who are afraid of driving as you. One who I’m very close to. My fear is bridges. I avoid at all cost and take a different route if possible. I will even plan out a trip and take a longer route if it means I avoid bridges. My hands get clammy, my heart races, I panic. So I’ve done something when I have to go over because there is no other way around it, I recite two things….The Lord’s Prayer and I sing the Star Spangled Banner. I know, they have no relation to each other. They just take my mind off the bridge. I commend your courage friend. Thanks for sharing this today at my party.
I know a lot of people who have struggled with this fear also Michelle. Yet, I don’t find that this fear is talked about much. That’s one of the reasons I started this series, in order to offer support and encouragement. Thank you for sharing your struggle with the fear of driving on bridges. I love how you sing and pray in order to take your mind off of your fear. Have a wonderful day friend!
Thanks Valerie,
Since I have moved to Chicago the first time I was on the freeway I could have been hit by a semi and since then I have been reluctant to try it again. I know my lack of driving puts a lot of pressure on my husband and I feel I need to take more steps to drive. I sometimes drive back and forth to work and places that are close. But I do feel I can put in a little more effort to start doing it more. I can’t wait for the sequel. I am so glad that you are conquering your fear. It is so encouraging.
That must have been scary Tona. Thank you so much for sharing your desire to want to take more steps to drive. I’ve relied on my husband as well to take me places before I drive there on my own. I’m slowly learning to let go (depends on how far the distance) and take small steps driving to unfamiliar places. God is so good. He is right there with you cheering you on. I love Proverbs 3:25 that says “Have no fear of sudden disaster.”
Thanks for this encouragement. I too am battling the fear of driving. I just drive to work and back home, which is seven minutes from home. I’m afraid to even stop at the grocery store. That’s how bad my fear is.
I’m so sorry CJ. I know it’s not easy. Having the support of loved ones and taking small steps to gradually increase the level of exposure to fear is one way to try and work through it. I’m praying for you. Thank you so much for sharing your struggle. I pray that God gives you peace when you get behind the wheel.
Thanks for adding your post to the #RaRaLinkup Valerie!
Thank you for visiting Katie! Have a great day!
Oh, how I know the feeling. Especially the part about being afraid to let our kids go in cars with others. I made a decision a long time ago to never let my fears get in the way of my children’s lives, and I can only think of one or two instances when I haven’t been true to that commitment. It’s not easy to let go, but praise God, we’re not letting go into nothingness, but into the safety of His care. Now, two of my children are driving, so I’ve had to learn to trust the One who is with them, even when I’m not. He’s trustworthy. So, we can rest. Thanks for sharing, Valerie. ((hug))
Thank you so much for your encouraging words and support Brenda! You are a great example of trusting your children into the safety of His care! Who better to care for them, right? I never want to let my fears hinder my children or pass my fears on to them. We can rest. Amen to that!
Amen!! Thank you for the post. I feel every word in this ???
I’m so glad this post encouraged you! Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
I have a fear of driving as well. I avoided the freeway for YEARS until I moved somewhere where I had to use it. My greatest fear is getting lost more than getting in an accident (although I worry about that too!). I have a horrible sense of direction so I’m worried what will happen to me (and my kids) if I get lost: will we get in an accident because I panic? Take hours to find my way back? (This has happened to me.) Get stuck in a bad part of town and get robbed? Or hijacked?! (Obviously, I watch too many Law & Orders 😉 I have had panic attacks while driving if I’m not sure where I am. So I always make my husband drive, especially when we’re going somewhere new and always when we’re out of town. I’m really not sure how to get out of it because I still get lost with GPS, I’m that directionally challenged. Keep praying, I guess! I’m looking forward to reading the next post!
I know what you mean Jessica. I think those fears go hand in hand. I am directionally challenged as well..and have discovered that the GPS has gotten me lost on several occasions. I’ve had panic attatcks while driving and been so afraid of “missing the exit” that I swerved to get on it without even looking for other cars. I think this fear is faced through proper preparation and taking gradual steps to meet small goals and driving distances. Thank you so much for sharing your experience here. I pray that we can both make some progress with God’s grace and help. My prayers are with you!
I am fine when I am the one in the driver’s seat (false sense of control), but I do not do as well when riding with others…especially my children! While I was reading this, I was thinking I hope you overcome your fear of driving during this season (and how awesome that the Lord is providing you ample opportunity through car-pooling) before you enter the teen driving years. But He does give grace in the moment we need it. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
Thank you for your kind words Cheryl! I want to make sure this is not something I pass onto my children. I want them to be confident drivers, the one who wants to take the wheel…like you.
Valerie,
How brave you are! Sharing your personal story will touch the hearts of many! I will be praying for your deliverance from this fear because … ummm… you are in a loooong season of being the “Carpoolin’ Mama”! I don’t want my sweet friend feeling all that fear and anxiety throughout that time! So, in the Name of Jesus, I am claiming freedom from the fear of driving for you! 🙂 You’ve got a great start. Just keep saying those truths over and over again and believe you will be set free!
I’m sharing this everywhere!
Hugs,
Lori
Ha, yes I am Lori…I’m the carpooling Mama. Now I’m the long distance carpooling Mama. Thank you for praying for me, sweet friend. Thank you for sharing this too. I long for others who struggle with this fear to know that they are not alone and that there is hope to overcome.
I do not drive and have drove. I have a fear behind the wheel I can see what you say is true as well. Driving forward and leading is a great fear as well
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I’m so sorry you struggle with this fear as well Angie. I pray that God would give you peace when you do drive and that you can keep your mind focused on him. Thank you so much for sharing your struggle here. You are not alone. God knows. He sees. He cares.
So good and full of encouragement. After my cousin’s accident, I had a lot of fear about driving. These are great thing for me to focus on- thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to read my “fear” post, Keri. I’m so sorry about your cousin’s accident. I’m sure that makes dealing with this fear even harder. I pray for God to give you peace when you drive.
Thanks for writing this. I have struggled with a fear of driving too and I’ve never found anyone who really understands why it’s such a big deal.
I used to avoid driving as much as possible, but I’ve had to do it for work. Knowing it is a job I really feel called to helped me push through the fear but it wasn’t easy. I used to get really anxious and hardly sleep at all the night before driving somewhere unfamiliar.
I’ve been driving fairly regularly for about 9 years now and it’s only in the last year that I’ve noticed it get significantly easier. The fear is still not entirely gone but it has improved a lot.
Praying for you as you continue this journey of facing your fear.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Carly! I’m so glad that you’ve been able to make significant progress over the years. Thank you for your prayers. It’s so nice to know that someone out there understands what it’s like.
Thanks, Valerie, for sharing these wonderful posts on fear!
I am not a person who is highly given to fear, but your post are helping me to understand more about how much fear can cripple us. I’m becoming more sensitive to those around me after reading these honest stories that you have been sharing.
I love this quote today: “I trust in God’s ultimate power and control over my life.” I believe that may be the key to it all!
Only trust Him!
I’m sharing this all over today and tomorrow on FB.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
Melanie, I’m so glad these posts are helping you to understand how crippling fear can be in the lives of others. Trusting in God’s power and control is the answer to overcoming our fears. Thank you for sharing!
Right there with you. I HATE driving. I do it, but I never want to. And if my hubby is with me, I always make him do it.
Hi Stephanie,
My husband usually does the driving too (even though his driving scares me, lol) Thank you so much for leaving a comment. It’s always good to know that you’re not alone!
I do exactly the same thing you do. I’m so glad I’m not the only person who feels this way. If I lived in a big city, I would never drive, I would take the bus!
Maria, I’m continuing this facing fear series in September where I’ll be posting about my efforts to face my driving fear over this past year and all the things I’ve learned along the way. I would love for you to follow along! Thank you for visiting!
This is so good Valerie! I’ve gone through times when I was afraid of too many things . . . letting my kids out of my sight, getting on an airplane, health issues, etc. Your advice is spot on and I can’t wait to read the sequel! Blessings!
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support Deb!
Atleast you can drive. I have failed my drivers 6 times all the while being belittled by everyone because i’m in my 30s and still can’t drive and inconvenience everyone because i’m dependent on them for lifts.
Thank you so much for this encouraging post!