Ever wish you could take a bold step of faith, but fear holds you back? I know that feeling well. Fear shaped much of my life, until God’s truth began to change my heart. Here’s how I learned to step out even when I was afraid. If you’re longing for courage, this is for you!
Early Fears That Kept Me from Stepping Out in Faith
If you’ve met me recently, you’d probably be surprised to know that I used to be very shy. I remember when I was six years old, my teacher asked me to deliver a printed paper to another classroom just across the hall. I had been chosen as the “Teacher’s Assistant” for the week, and I was excited—at first. But when the time came, I froze. I walked to the back door of that classroom, slid the paper under the door, and ran back to my class.
I didn’t want to be seen. I didn’t want to walk into a room of unfamiliar faces. The safer option? Drop and dash. I used to get so nervous in front of people that I would sweat and turn bright red. That kind of fear followed me all the way through high school. It got less dramatic, but it never fully went away.
When I decided to follow Jesus, everything changed. I knew my mission was to tell everyone about King Jesus—but taking that first bold step? That felt impossible.
What started as fear about sharing my faith began to bleed into other areas of life. I wasn’t just afraid to talk about Jesus—I was afraid to take bold steps of faith in any direction.
- What college should I choose?
- Could I confront a friend who might be upset with me?
- Would I be able to approach a stranger and simply compliment their shoes?
Even small acts started to feel like only “courageous” people could do them. I looked at my life and realized—I was frozen. Motionless. Like a freeze-frame with no forward movement.
I admired people who did big, bold things—like the guy who did the Free Solo climb of El Capitan. That kind of courage? That wasn’t me.
But then something changed.
Truth that Sparks Courage in Faith
When all my fear felt like too much to carry, I cried out to God:
“God, make me brave. Help me take bold steps for You. Help me have faith even when I can’t see. I want courage.”
One scripture shifted everything for me:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10, CSB
Read those truths again:
- Do not fear
- I am with you
- Do not be afraid
- I am your God
- I will strengthen you
- I will help you
When this verse moved from something I knew in my head to something I believed in my heart, it changed everything.
If God is with me, what do I really have to fear? What bold step could I not take with Him by my side?
Now, don’t get me wrong—fear doesn’t disappear overnight. But now I lean on this truth: Even when I don’t feel fearless, God is still faithful. He doesn’t expect me to be brave on my own. He is with me in the middle of the hard, scary things.
Another verse that grounded me was this:
“The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can a mere mortal do to me?” – Psalm 118:6, NIV
Time to Move Stepping Out in Faith
Ask yourself:
If the living God is with me. . . what can people really do to me?
God is faithful. He covers us. He walks with us. And if He’s calling you to take a step—any step—He won’t leave you to do it alone.
So what does stepping out in faith look like for you?
- Joining a church?
- Starting a Bible study?
- Applying to a school?
- Telling a coworker about Jesus?
- Praying a bold prayer you’ve been too scared to say out loud?
Whatever that next step is—it’s time to take it.
Even if you’re afraid.
Even if you can’t see the outcome.
Just move.
God cannot do something new in your life if you stay parked—frozen in place by fear. Courage in faith doesn’t always feel loud or fearless. Sometimes, it’s just taking one small step forward because you trust that God is already there.
In the book “It’s My Turn,” we’re reminded that as believers, we each carry the baton of faith. It’s our turn now—to obey, to move, to speak, to trust. God doesn’t ask us to be unafraid; He asks us to follow Him even when we are.
So I encourage you: take that step.
It’s time to move.
It’s your turn.
