A Word of Encouragement
To everyone willing to step out in faith and make yourselves vulnerable to the unknown—thank you.
Fear is one of the greatest obstacles we face when sharing our faith. Fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, fear of saying the wrong thing, or simply fear of feeling awkward can grip us tightly. When we allow fear to control us, it can paralyze us and keep us from experiencing the victories God has prepared for us.
Recently, I was invited to speak at a women's conference. Everything inside me wanted to say, "No!" My mind immediately went to one of my greatest fears—public speaking. Every part of me wanted to avoid the anxiety that came with accepting the invitation.
As I prayed, however, the Lord reminded me not to turn away from what He had placed before me. He was the One who had spoken my name to the person who invited me. So I said yes, even though the fear remained.
It felt like stepping onto a tightrope stretched across Niagara Falls. Yet on the day of the conference, God gave me an unexpected peace. Moments before I was to speak, anxious thoughts flooded my mind: Who do you think you are? You're not a speaker. Your English isn't good enough. Why did you put yourself through this?
But God was faithful.
As I began to speak, He quieted my fears and strengthened me. When it was over, a woman came to thank me and shared how deeply the message had encouraged her.
In that moment, I realized that God had carried me through one of my greatest fears. He had been faithful every step of the way. To Him be all the glory.
There is incredible freedom when fear no longer has the final word. Every time we choose to trust God instead of our fears, our faith grows stronger, and we discover once again that He is faithful.
The answer to fear is not simply finding more courage. The answer is to remain in His presence and rest in His perfect love.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God."
— Isaiah 41:10
God is not pretending that our fears aren't real. Rather, He is reminding us that His presence is even more real. He is with us, and He is our strength, especially when we need Him most.
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."
— 1 John 4:18
Someone may be waiting to hear the very words God has placed on your heart. You may never feel completely ready, but God does not call the qualified—He qualifies those He calls.
So step out in faith. Trust Him completely. As you do, you will discover that where your courage ends, God's strength begins.