Anxiety, Panic, and the Faith That Held On

Welcome to the table! My Guest: Kim Stolzfus is a college instructor at the University of Kentucky. Kim shares her powerful testimony—one marked by early religious confusion, people-pleasing, debilitating panic attacks, and seasons of profound hopelessness. Through it all, Jesus continually meets her, flips her assumptions about God, and draws her into freedom, purpose, and joy in His upside-down kingdom. This conversation is an honest exploration of what it looks like to bring our religious thinking to Jesus and allow Him to transform it—slowly, faithfully, and sometimes painfully—into true gospel freedom. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Kim's early experience with faith and how fear distorted her view of God How people-pleasing and anxiety shaped her spiritual life A pivotal gospel conversation with a Campus Crusade (Cru) leader named Adele Why hearing the gospel didn't immediately change everything—but planted a seed Kim's descent into severe panic attacks and hopelessness after college A season of suffering that led to surrender and renewed dependence on God How God answered prayers in unexpected (and unwanted) ways Kim's journey through graduate school, Washington D.C., and deep Christian community The power of Christian friendship, Bible study, and faithful presence How God now uses Kim's story in her work as a university professor Why faith the size of a mustard seed is more than enough  If you are walking through anxiety, fear, or despair—or if peace feels unfamiliar or even frightening—this episode is for you. Kim's story is a reminder to never give up, to cling to Jesus even when faith feels small, and to trust that God is always at work, even when we can't see it.   Thanks for listening! We'd love for you to share this episode with a friend.  Consider leaving a rating and review. It helps others find our podcast. Whether you've been following Jesus for years, are just getting started, or are simply considering it, you're invited to join us at the study table. Subscribe to my Table 2 Newsletter for updates and study reflections, and visit Flourish Ministry for free resources.