Aug 5| Being Bold When You're Scared: The Christian's Guide to Courage in Fear
Why the Bravest People Are Often the Most Terrified
What if I told you that the bravest people you know are probably terrified right now? Not despite their courage—but because of it. This might sound backward, but it's one of the most liberating truths you'll ever discover about living a bold Christian life.
We've been fed this lie that being bold when you're scared is impossible. That real faith means never feeling afraid. But here's what nobody talks about: every single hero in the Bible felt fear. Moses literally begged God to send someone else. Gideon was hiding in a winepress when God found him. Even Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, sweated drops of blood knowing what was coming.
Yet God called each of them mighty.
The Biblical Truth About Fear and Courage
Moses: The Stuttering Leader Who Changed History
When we think about being bold when you're scared, Moses provides the perfect example. Here's a man who had every reason to be terrified. He was being asked to confront the most powerful ruler in the known world, and his response? "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10, NIV).
Moses wasn't just scared—he was looking for any excuse to get out of God's calling. But God's response changed everything: "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say" (Exodus 4:12, NIV).
Peter's Bold Step Into the Storm
Think about Peter for a second. This is a seasoned fisherman who sees Jesus walking on water during a violent storm. The boat's rocking, waves are crashing, and Peter asks to come out onto the water. Now picture this scene clearly—he's standing on the edge of that boat, looking at the dark water beneath him. His heart's pounding. Every instinct, every bit of common sense, every survival mechanism in his body is screaming "Don't do this."
But he steps out anyway.
That single step? That's what being bold when you're scared really looks like. Not the absence of fear—but the presence of faith that's just a tiny bit bigger than your terror.
Understanding the Psychology of Biblical Boldness
David and Goliath: When Being Bold When You're Scared Changes Everything
Let's talk about young David approaching Goliath. Everyone focuses on his confidence, but can we be honest for a moment? This teenager is walking toward a nine-foot warrior who's been killing professional soldiers since David was in diapers. You think his hands weren't shaking? You think his voice didn't crack when he shouted across that valley?
But here's what David knew that we forget: "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37, NIV).
David's strategy for being bold when you're scared wasn't built on feeling brave. It was built on remembering what God had already done. This is crucial for us to understand—boldness isn't manufactured through positive thinking or self-help mantras. It's cultivated through remembering God's faithfulness.
The Joshua Principle: Commanded Courage
Joshua faced perhaps the most intimidating leadership transition in history. He was about to lead Israel into the Promised Land after Moses—yes, the Moses who parted the Red Sea—died. Imagine that pressure. Imagine the fear of failure, the weight of comparison, the terror of inadequacy.
God doesn't tell Joshua, "Don't worry, it'll be easy." He doesn't minimize the challenge. Instead, He says this: "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, NIV).
Notice something critical here—God doesn't say "you won't feel afraid." He says "do not be afraid"—meaning you'll feel the fear, but don't let it control you. This is a command, not a suggestion. God is literally commanding Joshua to practice being bold when you're scared.
Practical Steps for Being Bold When You're Scared
1. Recognize Fear as Normal, Not Disqualifying
That promotion you're scared to pursue? That conversation you've been avoiding? That dream that feels too big? Your fear is not evidence that you're weak. It's evidence that you're human. And God specializes in using humans who feel completely unqualified.
Paul puts it perfectly: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV). That spirit of fear you're feeling? That's not from God. But the power to act despite that fear? That's His gift to you.
2. Start With Small Acts of Courage
Being bold when you're scared doesn't always mean facing giants or parting seas. Sometimes it looks like:
The single parent who's terrified about making ends meet but gets up every morning anyway
The person battling illness who chooses hope when despair feels easier
Speaking truth when your voice shakes
Choosing forgiveness when bitterness feels safer
3. Remember That Perfection Isn't Required
You know what's beautiful? When Peter stepped out of that boat and started sinking, Jesus didn't lecture him about his lack of faith. He immediately reached out and caught him. Your boldness doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be willing.
This is perhaps the most freeing truth about being bold when you're scared—God isn't looking for flawless execution. He's looking for willing hearts.
The Science Behind Spiritual Courage
Understanding Your Body's Fear Response
When we talk about being bold when you're scared, it helps to understand what's happening in your body. Fear triggers your amygdala, flooding your system with adrenaline and cortisol. Your heart races, your breathing quickens, and your muscles tense. This is the famous "fight or flight" response.
But here's what's fascinating—the physical sensations of fear and excitement are nearly identical. The only difference is how we interpret them. This is why being bold when you're scared is possible. You're not trying to eliminate the physical sensations; you're reframing them through the lens of faith.
The Power of Remembered Victories
When David recalled God's help with the lion and bear, he was doing something psychologically powerful. He was activating what neuroscientists call "positive memory networks." By intentionally remembering past victories, we can literally rewire our brains to expect God's faithfulness rather than failure.
Real-Life Examples of Being Bold When You're Scared
Mary: Teenage Faith That Changed the World
Consider Mary, a teenage girl in first-century Palestine. An angel appears and tells her she'll carry the Messiah—while she's unmarried, in a culture where that could mean death by stoning. Her response? "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled" (Luke 1:38, NIV).
That's being bold when you're scared at its finest. Not the absence of fear, but the presence of surrender.
The Disciples After Jesus' Ascension
After Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples were terrified. They were hiding in locked rooms, afraid of persecution. But after Pentecost? These same fearful men became bold proclaimers who turned the world upside down. What changed? Not their circumstances—those actually got worse. What changed was the presence of the Holy Spirit empowering them to be bold when scared.
Common Obstacles to Being Bold When You're Scared
The Comparison Trap
One of the biggest obstacles to being bold when you're scared is comparing your inside to someone else's outside. You see others who appear fearless and assume you're uniquely cowardly. But remember—Moses, Gideon, Peter, and even Jesus experienced fear. You're in good company.
The Perfection Myth
Another obstacle is believing you need to feel ready before you can be bold. But God's pattern throughout Scripture is calling people who feel desperately unready. Being bold when you're scared means moving forward while still feeling unprepared.
The Isolation Lie
Fear tells us we're alone. But God's consistent promise to those He calls to scary things is His presence. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5, NIV). Being bold when you're scared becomes possible when we believe this promise.
Building a Lifestyle of Courageous Faith
Daily Practices for Being Bold When You're Scared
Morning Declaration: Start each day acknowledging your fears to God and declaring His promises over them.
Victory Journal: Keep a record of times God has come through, creating your own "lion and bear" stories.
Courage Community: Surround yourself with people who encourage bold faith.
Small Steps: Practice being bold when you're scared in low-stakes situations to build your courage muscle.
The Compound Effect of Courage
Every time you choose being bold when you're scared, you're building spiritual muscle memory. What terrifies you today will become tomorrow's testimony. The giant that seems impossible now will become the story you tell to encourage others who are learning to be bold when scared.
Your Invitation to Bold Living
So whatever you're facing right now—that thing that makes your stomach twist just thinking about it—remember this: Courage isn't a feeling. It's a choice. And every time you choose to step forward despite your fear, heaven celebrates. Because that's faith in action. That's what moves mountains. That's what changes everything.
Being bold when you're scared isn't about becoming someone you're not. It's about becoming who God always knew you could be—someone who trusts His presence more than their feelings, His promises more than their circumstances, His power more than their weakness.
Not the absence of fear. Just the presence of a God who's bigger.
Your next bold step is waiting. Your knees can knock. Your voice can shake. Your hands can tremble. Just take the step. Because on the other side of your fear is the life God has been preparing you for all along. And He's already there, waiting to catch you if you fall.
An Invitation to go Deeper….
If today’s message spoke to you, join the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge and strengthen your connection with God’s unshakable love. You are never alone—let’s grow together!
