How to Aggressively Fight a Common Fear in Missionary Life

There are a few things I truly hate. One is when fear is used to manipulate and intimidate God’s people. Fear is such a powerful tool of oppression.

We see it used by politicians to get votes from the fearful. Likewise, it is used by the enemy of our soul to manipulate and paralyze us. Fear can turn a bold witness into an anxiety-filled missionary, afraid to do what God called them to do.

I hate that. Anger fills my heart toward Satan’s use of this tool against so many Jesus followers. We who in Christ could be so secure, so filled with trust and so confident in a sovereign, powerful and awesome God.

In the midst of increasing pressure on Christians and missionaries, we must guard our hearts against fear. We can not afford to allow the enemy to use this weapon against us.

“Fear paralyzes while faith activates.”

Fear paralyzes while faith activates. It is not possible to live a faithful, fruitful and fulfilled life on the mission field unless you aggressively fight against fear. This uninvited enemy threatens to creep into the corners, and even the “living rooms,” of your missionary life.

Interrogation

Some years ago, I entered a certain country for a meeting of our organization. It was a place with an extremely high level of security. The government was resistant to our purpose of making disciples of all peoples there.

It was not advisable for us to be completely upfront about what we were doing. Neither on entry or departure from the country.

As a follower of Jesus, I wasn’t comfortable being deceitful. I knew I could not lie. How would I answer their questions about what I had done as I departed?

Riding in the taxi on the way to the airport, my heart flip-flopped back and forth between faith and fear.

I rode in a shared vehicle to the airport with other visitors and tourists. God opened the door for me to share my testimony with someone next to me as we drove to the airport. The entire van listened.

While I rejoiced in the opportunity to be a witness of Jesus, I wondered if it was wise or foolish to share in a public place like that. What if I was reported to immigration?

Reaching the airport I approached the border officer, waiting for my turn in the cue.

They asked many questions about my activity. Some were difficult to answer, but I did my best. Then they asked about my camera.

I happened to be carrying an old camera that was a gift to my husband for his high school graduation. The batteries had run out on the trip, right at the end, and I couldn’t get new ones. It was dead. They wanted to see my pictures, but the camera wouldn’t turn on.

That was enough of a trigger for them to pull me out of the line and into an interrogation room. About 45 minutes of intense questioning took place. Then my bags were completely unpacked. Every single item was removed and searched.

Finally, in the end, they released me to go home. It wasn’t an easy experience. I was there to bless that nation and its people, not harm them. Why did I have to go through all that?

Fear knocked at my heart’s door in the midst of that incident, and for years afterward. It still does. I must actively refuse to let it rule over me.

I know I can not live faithful and fearful at the same time.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela

How To Actively Resist Fear

1) To guard your heart, guard your tongue and ears.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”- Prov. 18:21 ASV.

Our words have great power. Likewise, we are deeply influenced by what we choose to listen to.

Some missionary conversations focus on gossiping about the latest news. We hear of someone who lost their visa, was turned away by immigration, or arrested.

Stop participating in conversations that encourage fear. Instead, speak out testimonies of God’s power to open doors that no one can shut.

What do your conversations focus on? Faith or fear?

2) Dwell on God’s promises. Remember the prophetic words you’ve received.

Many of us work in countries that don’t welcome missionary activity. We live with an underlying fear that we may get kicked out. It could mean we lose our home, friends, and ministries at a moment’s notice. Things are not in our control, and that is hard.

It is a tough challenge to keep an attitude of faith. I have to take an active, regular decision to trust God’s ability to keep open the doors He has for me.

“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Rev. 3:8 NIV.

3) Embrace suffering as normal in the Christian (especially in missionary’s) life.

We are often influenced by a worldview that describes the Christian life as an easy road. This isn’t biblical. I will have to write more on that in another blog someday!

When we expect to suffer as a normal part of life, we are less surprised when bad things happen. Along with the joys will come trials. If you allow it, they will deepen you, shape you into His image and allow you greater fellowship with God and others.

4) Determine to trust in God rather than give in to anxiety.

When people see your life, do they see anxiety and fear? Or do they take notice of deep peace within you, one that comes from knowing you are secure and safe in God’s loving care?

Sometimes we have to choose trust over fear, every single day. At other times, we may go months without a struggle against fear. Continue resisting the enemy’s fear tactics. Refuse to let them overtake you. God can and will give you victory over these feelings.

Take Them Captive

2 Cor. 10:5 speaks of the need to “take every thought captive” and to “make it obedient to Christ.” When it comes to visa issues or threats of persecution, we must apply this verse.

What fearful thoughts have you struggled with this week or month?

Get aggressive in your battle against fear. God has a different way for you to walk in. He is with you today and He will be with you tomorrow, no matter what comes.