We Fear the Wrong Things

People say, “I could have said, should have, and wish I had said that." Of all the personal fears, speech most terrifies individuals. It is believed that this common form of anxiety is believed to affect over 50% of the population.

People are often surprised to discover that one of the best-known characters in the Old Testament experienced fear and anxiety when he was called to speak for God.? Moses, whom God instructed to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian captivity through the dry land of the Red Sea and bring the stones carrying The Ten Commandments down the mountain, was a reluctant speaker and leader.

When God first spoke to him and instructed Moses to lead the enslaved Israelites out of Egypt, he objected, saying, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”

Then, the Lord's anger burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. Moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad.

You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people, and he will be as a mouth for you, and you will be as God to him. (Exodus 4: 14-16).

Although a fear of public speaking is a widespread fear that many people experience, know you're not alone. Don’t let your mind convince you that you cannot speak words of encouragement and share the Good News. When God commissions you to speak, He provides the power to overcome your fears. Don’t look at your perceived problem; seize God’s opportunity. Speaking out may save someone from going to hell.