The Most Common Fears

What are you most afraid of?
Over the years, whenever I have preached on the topic of ‘Fear’, after the service, I often ask people, “What are you most afraid of?”

I have received varied answers - some funny and some very thoughtful. There are many things people are fearful of, but here are the three most common phobias:

The most common fears
1. Public speaking
Regardless of profession or geographical location, virtually the vast majority of people are terrified to speak in front of a group of people.

As a pastor, I love raising leaders. However, when I have invited people to come forward and pray, to share the word etc., some flatly refused because of this fear. This kind of fear has crippled their spiritual growth.

2. The Fear of Being Rejected
The fear of being rejected is basically hearing the word ‘no’ or having the ideas rejected.

This response is prevalent among those people who are looking for a life partner. I remember a young girl writing to me who said she wanted to commit suicide because she was rejected 11 times while seeking a marriage proposal.

After praying for her, I counselled her to face her fear. The good news is that today she is happily married.

The fear of being rejected is also very common among salespeople, especially those who make cold calls.

3. The Fear of Failure
I am reminded of the parable of the talents that Jesus taught. The Master gave talents to each of His servants to invest “in accordance with his ability.” Two of the men invested wisely. However, the third man buried his gift. When the Master returned, the man spoke, saying:

“I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I hid your talent in the ground. Here, [take back] what is yours.” (Matthew 25:24-25 ESV). Carefully notice why the man did not invest - he was afraid of failure.

I believe one of the primary reasons we do not experience more of the power of God and see more of his miracles is because we are afraid of failure. Like the wicked servant, we bury our opportunities in the ground and then grumble because nothing is happening.

The fear of failure has plagued many a student and stopped them from rising in their careers.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4).

Don’t be discouraged by failure. The only time success is impossible is when you quit - so don’t give up. The Lord is on our side.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You for grace to walk by faith and not rely on emotions.