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THE EVIL OF FEAR  

– PART TWO  –

(Sermon with Dialogues and Testimonies)

By Dr. Lawrence Osifo

Introduction

The sun had dipped slightly below the horizon in Benin City, painting the red earth and mango trees with a warm golden glow. Pa Omoregie stood in the small open courtyard of his compound, surrounded by villagers, students, and traders. The children sat cross-legged at the front, their eyes wide and expectant, while adults leaned on sticks and baskets, listening intently.

Pa Omoregie raised his hands and spoke in a deep, commanding voice:

“My children, today we will go further into the evil of fear — not just in our hearts, but in our daily lives. Fear is not merely an emotion; it is a thief. It steals our joy, our courage, our blessings, and even our destiny.”

A young pastor named Pastor Igho, who had come to learn from Pa Omoregie, stepped forward nervously.

“Baba,” Pastor Igho said, “I preach about faith every Sunday, but sometimes I see young people trembling — afraid to trust God fully. How can they overcome fear?”

Pa Omoregie smiled warmly, placing a hand on the pastor’s shoulder:

“My son, fear thrives in the darkness of doubt. The moment a person believes that God is too far, too weak, or too busy to help, fear finds room to settle in the heart. But remember, the lion does not ask permission from the gazelle before hunting; the eagle does not seek approval from the sparrows before flying. Courage is acting despite fear, and faith is believing God when fear shouts otherwise.”

 

1. Fear Blocks Help and Kindness

At that moment, Mama Adesuwa, a market woman, raised her hand.

“Baba,” she said, voice quivering, “I sometimes see my neighbour struggling to pay school fees or feed her children, but I fear that if I give, I will not have enough for my own family. Does that make me wicked?”

Pa Omoregie leaned forward, eyes sparkling with wisdom:

“Fear whispers lies, my daughter. It tells you, ‘Keep for yourself,’ but kindness always returns multiplied. When you withhold because of fear, you allow wickedness to reside in your heart. African proverb says, ‘He who gives to the poor lends to God.’ Your faith, not your fear, must guide your hand.”

Mama Adesuwa’s eyes welled with tears. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small bundle of money.

“Baba, I will try. Even if it is little.”

The crowd murmured with approval. Pa Omoregie nodded:

“That is courage — small in size, yet powerful in impact.”

 

2. Fear Creates Panic and Blocks Prayer

A young university student named Chinedu, clutching a worn notebook, spoke next:

“Baba, I pray, but fear of failure keeps me awake at night. Sometimes I panic during exams. I feel God is silent.”

Pa Omoregie’s voice softened, but it carried weight:

“My son, fear is a liar. It turns faith into doubt and prayer into worry. The heart that is consumed by fear cannot hear God’s voice clearly. African proverb: ‘When the heart is heavy, the ears hear little.’

He continued, pacing slowly under the mango tree:

“Prayerlessness is evil to God because it breaks fellowship. Fear says, ‘You will fail,’ but faith says, ‘I am guided.’ Replace panic with calm confidence. Speak to your fear: ‘You are a shadow, not a master.’ When you pray boldly, God hears and fear flees.”

Chinedu lowered his head, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders.

 

3. Fear Attracts Negative Occurrences

Pa Omoregie’s voice grew firm and sharp.

“My children, fear is like mud on your feet. The more you step in it, the more it clings. African proverb: ‘He who fears the leopard should not enter the forest.’ Fear does not protect you; it invites failure, loss, and misery. Those who live in fear often experience exactly what they feared. This is the law of life: fear attracts evil.”

A young boy named Osato, who had been silent, finally spoke:

“Baba, is that why some people get sick or fail at business because they worry so much?”

Pa Omoregie nodded gravely:

“Yes, my son. The mind commands the body. The spirit that trembles invites weakness. Boldness, faith, and courage bring strength. Fear brings destruction.”

 

4. Fear Flees from the Righteous

Pa Omoregie raised his hand high, and the crowd fell silent.

“Hear this, my children: the righteous are as bold as the lion. When you live righteously, your conscience is clear. You fear no accusation. Fear flees you because it cannot stay where truth and faith dwell. Only the wicked run when no one is pursuing them. Fear cannot touch you if you walk in integrity and faith.”

Pastor Igho added, inspired:

“Baba, so the key is clear conscience and trust in God?”

“Exactly,” Pa Omoregie answered. “Boldness is a fruit of faith and integrity. The heart that trusts God fears nothing.”

 

5. A Declaration Against Fear

Pa Omoregie raised both hands, eyes scanning every face. The wind rustled the mango leaves as if in agreement.

“Now, my children, let us make a declaration together:

‘We will not allow fear to rule our hearts. We will trust God fully. We will act with courage, give with joy, and pray with boldness. Fear has no place in our destiny. We walk in faith, and our lives will shine.’”

The crowd echoed, voices strong and united:

“We walk in faith! Fear has no place in our destiny!”

He lowered his hands, smiling.

“Remember this: Fear is evil. It destroys dreams, relationships, and peace. Faith is life. Faith moves mountains, heals hearts, and opens doors. African proverb: ‘He who fears the wind will never plant corn.’ Step into life boldly, my children, for God is with you.”

The sun had fully set, leaving a soft purple sky. The people dispersed slowly, hearts burning with courage, whispering to one another, sharing their fears and their newfound hope.

 

 Inspirational Quotes from Part Two

1. “Fear whispers lies, faith speaks truth.”
2. “Boldness is a fruit of faith and integrity.”
3. “Fear attracts evil; courage invites blessings.”
4. “Prayer turns fear into power.”
5. “He who fears the wind will never plant corn.”