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Starting something new—a business, a ministry, a book, a movement—can be daunting. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and even fear of success can paralyze us before we ever take the first step. However, courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward despite it. Finding courage to take that first step for me has been a joy and a blessing and had I not taken the first step, I'm not sure where I would be today.
The Power of a First Step
Every great achievement begins with a single step. Too often, we wait until we feel "ready," but the truth is, readiness comes through action. Stepping out in faith activates a chain reaction—momentum builds, confidence grows, and doors begin to open that we never anticipated. I remember the uncertainty and anxiety I felt when I decided to go back to school and pursue my education after leaving high school ten years prior without graduating. I was confident I would finally be getting my high school diploma but at the same time I felt some fear of taking that first step. I'm grateful to God for the courage to take the first step which was contacting the institution to inquire about enrolling in the GED program. Two months later I earned my GED and this was the beginning of many more firsts for me from enrolling in college several times and eventually earning a master's degree.
Facing the Fear of Failure
One of the biggest obstacles to starting is the fear of failure. But failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of the journey to success. Every setback provides valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. When we shift our perspective and see failure as feedback rather than defeat, we develop resilience and perseverance. Writing my first book and starting a business that eventually became a ministry God had given me was the start to a new chapter in my life. Stepping out on faith and putting my work out into the world and not really knowing how I would be received. I didn't have a clear blueprint on how to navigate either of these processes but I had to trust God every step of the way. Taking the first step was the key component. Although we feel fear, we also have to trust and believe that God will guide us every step of the way even through the fear.
Trusting in God’s Plan
For those of us who walk in faith, we know that courage comes from trusting in God's plan. Scripture reminds us, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). When we step out in obedience, we are not alone—God goes before us, equipping us for the journey ahead.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Courage
1. Clarify Your Why – Understanding your purpose fuels your courage. When you have a clear vision, fear has less power over you.
2. Take Small Steps – You don’t have to figure everything out at once. Start with one small, manageable step and build from there.
3. Surround Yourself with Support – Find mentors, coaches, and like-minded individuals who will encourage and challenge you.
4. Embrace Growth – View every step as an opportunity to learn and refine your vision. Growth requires stretching beyond comfort zones.
5. Pray and Move – Seek God’s guidance, but don’t let waiting for a "perfect" sign keep you stagnant. Pray, discern, and then take action.
If you’ve been hesitating to start something that’s been placed on your heart, consider this your sign to begin. The world needs what you have to offer, and the only way to see your vision come to life is to take that first step. Courage isn’t about never feeling afraid—it’s about choosing to move forward anyway.
Are you ready to begin? Your journey starts today.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is something you’ve been wanting to start but have hesitated on?
2. What fears or doubts have been holding you back?
3. What is one small, actionable step you can take today toward your goal?
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