One of the greatest problems I have struggled with all my life is the fear of man and man’s opinions. Living in fear of what others will think is all just being a people-pleaser. Consider some Bible verses with me.

The Word snare means a trap. The fear of man speaks of cowardice. For most of my life, I have been a victim of this. I know better. I always knew better, but being a missionary, not pleasing my supporters would endanger my livelihood. No excuse, just the lousy skin of a reason that I used for an excuse.

Jesus told us

I knew this just like you do, but that did not stop me from playing the game to get support or teaching others to do the same. You see, I wanted the approval of men. I needed the pastors to like me to get the money required to do the work before me. Wicked and wrong, but I am telling the truth and confess my sin. I was not acting as the servant of Christ but of men, the status quo, which my supporters accepted.

Oh, it would have been so much better to trust the Lord. Here I am at the end of my life and ministry and seeing the reality of this truth.

I was so blinded that I did not see what I was doing. I trusted more in pastors than in the Lord.

God never gave me a spirit of fear, but I had one. I even trained young missionaries to have the same fear. It was unintentional, but it was what I was doing.

We are not to fear what men can do to us. I still deal with this fear today, even as I attempt with all that is within me to overcome it.

I need to learn and practice more every day so that I can boldly say that the Lord is the source of everything that I need. I have no reason to fear any man.

How much am I like the Pharisees, loving the praise of men more than the praise of God? I will tell you, I thought I had to go with the flow because that would bring the praise of God. I do not know how I twisted it so much.

I can honestly say that I allowed myself to be influenced by the world’s thinking, prioritizing what others thought rather than seeking the will of God and standing for truth.

I lived cowardly. I have not directed these thoughts towards anyone but myself. There is no criticism of you or anyone else you know—just me. I know I failed.

The fear of man leads to anxiety and stress, or as many might do, a withdrawal from others. So often, we isolate ourselves unless we must put on a mask for our public appearances.

People often mask the fear of man by saying that they do it out of love and kindness. I know that I have done that most of my life. What we want is approval and acceptance.

The most shocking truth is that fearing man more than God is idolatry. This fear prevents us from speaking the truth or standing up for what’s right, compromising our values and beliefs.

Because fear paralyzes us, we do not step out and take the risks we should. We fear being rejected by our peers, those we consider important.

Our desire to maintain a particular image leads to dishonesty. We can even question our calling or purpose in the ministry. We live in constant comparison and feel inadequate.

So often, people live in a mask—they lack vulnerability and authenticity. Just trying to please people causes us to live in self-doubt.

We must trust God, His love, and approval to have victory.

Pain to Praise is a profoundly personal account of how I navigated through my pain and hurt, offering readers an intimate look into my journey of forgiveness and renewal.

The book is a guide and companion for anyone grappling with their suffering, offering solace and hope through heartfelt storytelling and open sharing.

The book also provides strategies to reclaim your identity beyond past hurts, offering a path to personal empowerment and self-discovery.

The book also sheds light on the role of the Holy Spirit in the healing process, providing clarity and guidance for those seeking spiritual guidance and renewal.

Click here to get your copy today.