Courage to Follow Your Calling
Have you ever had that restless feeling deep down—like you’re meant for something more, but actually stepping out feels almost impossible? I’ve been there. There’s this huge gap between sensing your purpose and having the guts to actually go after it. That gap is where courage comes in, and honestly, it’s where most of us get stuck.
Even in the Bible, people wrestled with fear and doubt about their callings. Moses tried to talk God out of sending him to Pharaoh. Gideon needed sign after sign before he took a single step. Their stories always remind me that courage isn’t about having everything figured out, but about moving forward anyway. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” That’s not just a pep talk—it’s a promise. Even when we’re scared, we’re not alone.
I remember when I started feeling pulled to change careers. Everything in my life felt safe and predictable. The idea of leaving that comfort was terrifying. What if I failed? What if I was wrong about this calling? Those questions kept me up at night, and for a long time, I just sat with them. Then I stumbled across Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” That verse hit me right where I needed it. I realized I didn’t have to see the whole path laid out in front of me. I just had to trust God with the next step.
Taking action didn’t magically erase my fear. I made mistakes and doubted myself plenty of times. But over and over, I came back to the simple truth that trusting God means believing He’ll walk the road with me, even if I can’t see what’s around the bend. Psalm 56:3 (NIV) kept me steady: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is admit you’re scared—and keep going anyway.
If you’re wrestling with your own calling, you’re not alone. Courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about trusting that God’s bigger than whatever’s making you anxious. You don’t need a lightning bolt or a perfect plan; you just need to start, right where you are, with what you’ve got. God will meet you on the journey and fill in the gaps.
Remember, 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” The fear doesn’t get to run the show. Trust that God’s at work, both in you and through you. Take that next step, even if your knees are shaking. You might just find that’s exactly where your calling comes alive.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank You for placing a calling on each of our lives and for walking with us, even when we’re afraid. Help us trust You with our next steps, especially when the path feels uncertain. Fill us with courage, not because we’re strong on our own, but because You promise to be with us wherever we go. Remind us that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness, and Your love casts out all fear. Guide our hearts, quiet our doubts, and help us to follow where You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.