WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

Everyone’s afraid of something.  I’m afraid of spiders – urgh! 

While it’s ok to be afraid once in a while, it’s not okay to let our fears take the best of us.  For instance, if you don’t have many friends because you’re afraid of making friends, then fear is robbing you of an important part of life.  Determine to overcome!

When a fear grows bigger and larger in our minds, we become obsessed with it.  And when and obsessive fear gets out of control, it becomes a phobia.

Well-known author and public Christian speaker Patsy Clairmont admits she used to be agoraphobic – she was afraid to leave her home and go out in public.  She was allowing her fear to rob her of many blessings, as well as keeping her from places.  With God’s help, she overcame it and now travels all across the world, communicating His love to large groups of people.

Here are a few phobias you may not be aware of:

Ø  hematophobia (sight of blood)

Ø  monophobia (being alone)

Ø  ombrophobia (rain)

Ø  erythrophobia (blushing in public)

Ø  anthophobia (flowers)

Ø  phonophobia (sound)

Ø  toxophobia (being poisoned)

Ø  trichophobia (hair).

While you probably don’t suffer from any of the above, you might be allowing fear to rob you of something terrific.  For instance, could it be the reason you’re not growing spiritually is because you’re afraid of what God might ask of you?  Do you avoid opposite-sex friendships because you’re scared of not knowing what to say or how to act?  What about witnessing? Are you afraid that others will make fun of you?

Why not take a few minutes right now and ask God to reveal to you any fears that are holding you back from becoming all He wants you to be.  Once you’ve identified what you’re afraid of, commit those fears to God.  Refuse to let any fear stand between you and your Creator.

(Psalms 34:4)  I went to the LORD for help. He answered me and rescued me from all my fears.

(Isaiah 44:2)  The LORD made you, formed you in the womb, and will help you. This is what the LORD says: Don't be afraid, my servant Jacob, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

(2 Corinthians 7:5)  Ever since we arrived in the province of Macedonia, we've had no rest. Instead, we suffer in a number of ways. Outwardly we have conflicts, and inwardly we have fears.

(1 John 4:18)  No fear exists where his love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn't have perfect love.

God Bless!