Do It Scared: Trusting God in the Face of Fear
A year ago, I would have never imagined doing the things I’m doing now. If you had told me then that I’d be speaking, teaching, writing, and stepping into places of leadership, I would have laughed—or maybe cried—because the thought alone would have overwhelmed me. But here I am. The truth is, I didn’t wake up one day suddenly fearless. I didn’t wait until I felt fully ready. I just did it scared.
I’m not entirely sure what pushed me to step forward other than knowing, deep down, that God was calling me. I had a strong support system cheering me on, but even with encouragement, the fear didn’t just disappear. My hands still shook. My voice still wavered. My heart still raced. But instead of letting fear hold me back, I chose to trust that God’s strength was greater than my weakness.
When I think about doing things scared, I’m reminded of Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus. The storm was raging. The waves were high. Every logical part of him probably screamed, “This isn’t safe!” But Jesus called him out, and Peter stepped forward, not because he wasn’t afraid, but because he trusted the One calling him.
Was it perfect? No. Peter still wavered. He still started sinking when he took his eyes off Jesus. The important thing is, he stepped out, when he faltered, Jesus reached out and caught him.
That’s what I’ve learned in this past year. Walking in obedience doesn’t mean the fear vanishes. It means choosing to move forward anyway, trusting that if God has called us, He will sustain us.
For so long, I thought fear meant I lacked faith. That if I was truly trusting God, I wouldn’t be scared at all. That’s not the case. Faith doesn’t mean we never feel fear, it means we don’t let fear make our decisions.
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God never tells us we won’t feel fear. He tells us not to let it control us because He is with us.
“Here I am, Lord, send me!” said [Insert YOUR name here].
One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 6:8:
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”
Isaiah didn’t respond to God’s call because he felt ready. He didn’t wait until he had all the answers. He simply said, “Here am I. Send me.” Even if the road ahead seemed uncertain. Even if fear was present. He was willing.
That’s the kind of heart I want to have, a heart that says, “God, I’ll go. Even if I’m scared.”
So keep walking, even if you’re shaking.
Maybe you’re in a place right now where God is calling you to something that terrifies you. Maybe it’s a new opportunity, a conversation you need to have, or a step of obedience that feels overwhelming. If that’s you, I want to encourage you, do it scared.
Don’t wait until you feel brave. Don’t wait until all the fear is gone. Step out, even if you’re trembling. Because on the other side of that fear is growth, purpose, and deeper trust in the One who called you.
A year from now, you might look back—just like I am—and realize that fear never had the power to stop you. God did. And He led you through every shaky step.
So if you’re scared? Good. That means you’re stepping into something bigger than yourself. Just don’t let fear win. Walk forward anyway, and let God lead the way.
