How to Boldly Move Forward (Even When You're Afraid)

God has great plans for our lives. It’s exciting when He puts dreams and desires in our hearts, but it can also be challenging because fear always comes against us when we try new things. 

That’s how the enemy tries to keep us from moving forward—through fear. But instead of giving in to our fears, we can choose to be bold, confident and courageous through Christ.

It’s important to understand that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward when you feel afraid. And if we will do that, God will lead us straight through our fears into His perfect will for our lives.

God doesn’t want us to live timid, shy, weak, wimpy, fearful, boring lives. He wants us to be bold, confident and courageous, unafraid to try new things. And it never ceases to amaze me what God will do through a person who simply steps out in faith.

What Did Joshua Do?

In the Bible, Joshua is a great example of someone who took a step of faith in the face of fear. 

You see, when Moses died, God charged Joshua with the huge task of leading the people of Israel into the Promised Land. Fear must have come against him at every turn. 

But Joshua pressed past his fears so he could embrace his God-given destiny.

When God asks you to leave the familiar behind, let His Word encourage you to keep moving forward. Because when you step into what God has for you, His anointing makes the impossible possible.

First John 2:27 says, But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you… (AMPC).

I want you to let that sink in: God’s anointing abides permanently in you. So why should you live a boring life when there’s a great life available to you?

It’s Okay to Try New Things

I encourage you to trust that what you feel down deep in your heart really is God.

You may not get a lot of encouragement from your family and friends, especially in the beginning. But if you’ll be bold enough to follow God instead of your fears, He will prove Himself to you.

The truth is, you and I never have to worry about failing. Instead, we can give ourselves permission to try new things.

It’s actually a great privilege not to live based on what your circumstances are, but according to God’s Word and the vision He has planted in your heart.

God may not show you the complete picture of what He’s calling you to do before you even get started. But He will guide each small step that you take.

Let’s look at Numbers 9:18. It says, At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.

I love that they didn’t try to go where God wasn’t leading them. Just imagine how much better our lives would be if we did the same thing!

Step Out and Find Out!

You know, it’s not the end of the world when we make a mistake or get thrown off track because God will always help us find our way back. Don’t let your mistake mark the end of the road, but rather a road to a new beginning.

Think what a beautiful thing it will be to look back at your life and remember the journey you’ve had with God; to celebrate the ways He has worked in your life.

In fact, the only thing we ever have to be concerned about in life is, “Am I following God?”

If you feel something strongly in your heart, step out and find out.

Don’t let other people make your decisions. Follow God’s destiny for your life. Find what’s going to fulfill you—and start embracing all that you’re meant to be in Christ. Choose boldness!