Who’s Responsible? (Part 2 of 2)

October 2026.

Kristine Whitson

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” -Jesus, in Luke 10:18

I spent the summer of my junior year of college at music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California. I was scheduled to play in a masterclass (a public performance plus a lesson, rolled into one) taught by a well-known professor from the Eastman School of Music. Music Academy masterclasses were attended by the public as well as students, so I knew there would be medium-sized audience. I had prepared one of the Ysaye unaccompanied violin sonatas, and since I was scheduled to play last on the program, I took a seat in the audience to hear the other students perform. One by one, they played their pieces. They were all good players, but the professor ripped each of them to shreds with discouraging, biting comments. I watched each one lose composure; a couple of them to the point of tears. Outrage welled up in me as the humiliating debacle unfolded. I contemplated what I would do once it was my turn. I had to decide now, ahead of time, how I wanted this to go. Was I going to follow suit, and let this grouch intimidate me and make me cry, too?? It was a distinct possibility, unless…..I said NO to fear and intimidation. I decided then and there that I was going to turn the tables, march up there like I owned the place, play the living CRUD out of the Ysaye, and take ZERO guff personally from this guy. I had prepared well, was confident with the piece, and simply decided I was going to SLAY. And that NOTHING was going to rattle me.

When my turn came, I strode (stomped, really) to the center of the stage, acknowledged the professor and the audience, tuned my violin, and tore into the Ysaye. It went how I had decided ahead of time. I nailed it! I had total confidence, and not one iota of anxiety or insecurity. When I finished, the professor offered a few helpful suggestions, said “Bravo!” and that was it! He completely changed his demeanor with me, and I don’t think it was because I played any better than the others. I think it was my “HECK, NO” attitude that made a difference. I learned that day that I could AGGRESSIVELY believe for something good, no matter what was going on.

Years later, old anxiety patterns would pop up from time to time, and life would provide a refresher course of what I learned in that masterclass. One night at an LA Philharmonic concert, out of left field, I had a sudden knife blade of fear rip through me, kicking off a spiral of deep discouragement and self-pity. I was feeling like a hopeless victim of anxiety, and that there was nothing I could do about it. It had me backed into a corner, shrinking me, intimidating me, pushing me around. It clearly had the upper hand. At intermission, I got alone in the locker room and prayed. The Holy Spirit reminded me of the lesson I had learned at Music Academy: we have the ability to not just turn the tables on fear; but to fight aggressively against it. Since I have that ability, it’s also my responsibility. I reminded myself of the truth:

-I was NOT a victim in this situation! I had choices!

-I did NOT have to put up with fear, agree with its lies, or allow it to continue!

-We have everything we need in Jesus Christ to overcome the enemy!

-It was time to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for my anxiety by standing up to it, going on the offensive, and acting AS IF I were a conqueror. Because God’s Word says we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

-BAM! Instant relief. As soon as I decided to stand up to the anxiety and not let it back me down, it slunk off, defeated, and I played great the rest of the concert. My feelings and thoughts had been lying to me…. AGAIN! (Why did I keep falling for this??) I had to think TRUTH. Let’s ponder this together: the Bible says Jesus has given to all who believe, the power to defeat anything the devil throws at us. That means that no weapon, fear, or lie from Satan has any power over us. We have authority in the name of Jesus Christ, and as His followers, it’s our responsibility to use it.

In the Gospel accounts of Jesus healing people of sicknesses and ailments, He gave specific instructions, like “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (John 9:7) or “Get up, pick up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8) And in some encounters, Jesus asked individuals what they wanted…inviting them to articulate and admit their need to Him. When Jesus’ disciple Peter healed a crippled man, he told him to “Rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6) We, too, need to take an active role in our healing process: get up, pick up our mat and walk. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. He leads His sheep and takes care of them, but it’s the sheep’s responsibility to follow the Shepherd…. and to walk on his own four legs.

In any anxious situation, we can take responsibility with even the smallest, positive move forward. Each small move says NO to fear! Every step of action reminds us that we have agency, choices, and most importantly, authority through Jesus over anxiety. Remember; feelings aren’t facts! The truth is, we are NEVER powerless or hopeless if we call on the Name of the Lord. We’re never trapped, even if it feels that way. There are always practical actions we are capable of; ways we can ‘pick up our mat and walk’ even during a Godzilla-size panic attack.

This isn’t about trying harder. God invites us to step out into new, possibly scary arenas, relying on His strength, not ours. Instead, of focusing on what we can’t do during an anxious moment, let’s focus on what we CAN do:

-PRAY. This is the drop-down oxygen mask. Take it! Use it! It can be as simple as “Jesus, help!!”

-BREATHE. This seems too easy; but it’s the first thing to get shut down when we panic. Deep, slow breathing cues the central nervous system that it’s safe to calm down; and it also gets our flooded brains back online. Box breathing is an easy technique: breathe in for 4 counts; hold it for 4 counts; exhale for 4 counts. Gradually slow down the pace. Repeat for a few minutes until you feel your mind and body settling down.

-RELAX. Drop all the tension in your body when you feel stressed. Let it drain out of you.

-BELIEVE. Think a faith thought. Form a faith declaration such as “Since God is my strength, I can do this!!” Find or recall a Scripture such as 2 Timothy 1:7: “….the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-control.’ 2 Timothy 1:7

-THANK GOD. Gratitude deflates fear! Find something to thank God for in the midst of the anxiety.

None of these action steps are complicated….anyone can do them anytime, anywhere. Freedom from fear comes when we take responsibility for doing what we can, in the tough moment.