Why are You Afraid? 

One of the questions we ask missionary candidates for their Pre-field psychological assessment is, "What do you fear the most?" Let me share some of the answers here: snakes and rats, death and separation, sin against God, not being used by God, my parents die before accepting Christ, my child's safety, getting seriously ill on the field, not able to accomplish my task as a missionary... the list goes on and on. Looking at these answers from missionaries now serving in different parts of the world, you can see that missionaries are also human beings with blood, sweat, and tears. 

Often times, missionaries as well as church leaders tell me in tears they are scared. As a counselor, I can analyze the psychological causes of their fear like: feeling threatened, powerless, perceived danger, inadequacy, rejection, and guilt (genuine and false). Fear usually arises from lack of trust and when one falls into uncontrollable situations or the unknown. As a missionary, I know servants of the Lord are not immune to fear. Even Jesus' disciples were really scared when their little fishing boat was about to be swallowed by the storm. They tried to wake Jesus up by shouting, "Lord, save us! We are going to drown!" The disciples really thought they were going to die, and Jesus responded with a question, "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!" (Matthew 8:23-26) 

Every one of us has our own fears. I don't know about you, but my number one fear is... believe it or not... preaching! Do you know why? Well, maybe I have been taught women ought not to preach and if I do, then I am being disobedient. Preaching is proclaiming God's Word, and what if I don't get it right, will I be leading people astray? What will people think of me then? Here, finally, I have come to the bottom line - my concern is about my performance, my face, me! I am just like the disciples focusing on the circumstances and my own well-being, having so little faith! I neglected the fact Jesus knows and He cares! Numerous times Jesus assures us, "I am here! Don't be afraid." (Matt. 14:27; Mark 6:50) I am getting better at conquering the fear of preaching now. I still sweat over sermon preparation and experience butterflies in the stomach before approaching the pulpit, but during delivery I try to stay tuned into Jesus' comforting promise, "I am here! Don't be afraid." 

Fear did not go away completely as my faith factor still has room to grow. It is understandable for missionaries to be afraid, particularly when one doesn't know a wave is a welcomed invitation or a hostile rejection. Facing the unknown and uncontrollable circumstances on the field without a support system can force a person to turn to Jesus or become self-reliant. I am sad to said, as I counsel missionaries in times of need or fear, their first answer usually is not Jesus! 

Jesus' question, "Why are you afraid?" is followed by what seems to me a rebuke, "You have so little faith!" Jesus didn't stop there; he stood up and rebuked the wind and the waves showing the disciples He can calm the storm at sea as well as the storm in their hearts. Jesus' presence and power overcame fear!

Next time when you are scared, focus on His promise, "I am here! Don't be afraid."