Fear. It’s something we all experience, yet it can feel so isolating and suffocating, especially when we’re faced with stepping into something new or different. Whether it’s the fear of failure, fear of rejection, or the fear of the unknown, fear has a way of holding us back from moving forward in life.

I’ve walked through fear many times. I remember the first time I felt the call to step into my purpose—starting my own business, writing a book, and speaking out about my experiences. It felt so big, so overwhelming, and the fear was real. I was afraid of what people would think, afraid that I wouldn’t be good enough, afraid of failing. I even asked myself, Who am I to do this?

Maybe you’ve asked yourself similar questions. Maybe you’ve been holding back on a dream or goal because fear is keeping you stuck. Fear makes us want to shrink back, to stay in our comfort zones where everything feels familiar. But here's the truth: if you stay in your comfort zone, you’ll never fully experience the greatness that God has placed inside of you.

One of the most profound stories in the Bible is that of Esther. I often reflect on her courage because I know how deeply it resonates with the fear I’ve felt when stepping into something bigger than myself.

In Esther 4:14, we hear a pivotal moment where Esther’s cousin Mordecai tells her, “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.” She had to make a decision: stay silent and live in fear, or speak up and risk everything. Esther’s story is not just about the courage to act, it’s about trusting that God has already equipped you with everything you need to step into your calling, even if you’re scared.

Esther’s journey wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t quick. It was filled with moments of doubt, moments of uncertainty, but she made the decision to act. She stepped out, and through her obedience, God used her in a mighty way. Just like Esther, you’re here for a purpose. You’re not here by accident. And though fear may try to paralyze you, God is calling you to move forward in faith.

So how do we overcome fear and start walking in our purpose?

1. Acknowledge Your Fear

The first step in overcoming fear is to be honest with yourself about it. I used to think that if I admitted I was afraid, it meant I wasn’t strong enough or that I didn’t have enough faith. But the truth is, acknowledging your fear doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human.

You can’t conquer something you’re not willing to face. When I first started my business and began writing my book, I had to admit that I was scared. Scared of failure. Scared of judgment. But admitting it allowed me to surrender those fears to God. It was in that moment of surrender that I started to feel free to move forward, despite my fears.

Scripture:

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."

— Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

2. Shift Your Focus to Faith

Fear wants to hold you captive by making you focus on what could go wrong. But faith encourages you to focus on what could go right. When fear starts to creep in, ask yourself: What if this works out? What if I do succeed?

I’ve learned that every time fear comes knocking, I have the choice to let it dictate my thoughts, or I can choose to lean on faith and trust that God has already gone before me. Just like Esther, when I’ve trusted God’s plan, even when it seemed uncertain, I’ve seen Him move in powerful ways.

Shift your perspective. Instead of fearing the unknown, choose to embrace it as a new opportunity to see God’s power at work. The unknown isn’t something to fear—it’s a place where miracles happen.

Scripture:

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

— 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

3. Take One Small Step

I often hear people say, “I’ll take action when I have everything figured out.” But here’s the truth: you will never have it all figured out. That’s part of the journey. God doesn’t always show us the whole path; He just asks us to take one step at a time.

I’ve found that the smallest step, even if it feels insignificant, can create the momentum you need to keep going. When I wrote my first page, I was scared. When I took my first leap into coaching, I was scared. But each step, no matter how small, built my confidence and my trust in God.

So don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just start. Take that first step—whether it’s writing the first page, sending the first email, or making the first phone call.

Scripture:

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

— Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

4. Trust God’s Plan

I think one of the most powerful things we can do as women is trust that God’s plan for us is good. Even when we don’t see the way forward, He sees the whole picture. Every fear, every obstacle, every challenge you face is part of the process of becoming who God has called you to be.

Just like He gave Esther the courage to step forward, He is giving you the courage to step into your destiny. God has equipped you for everything He’s called you to do. And when you trust in His timing and His strength, you will never be alone in the journey.

Scripture:

"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."

— Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Empowerment Message:

Your fear doesn’t have to hold you back any longer. Like Esther, you were placed here for a reason, and your calling is greater than your fear. It’s time to step forward in faith, take one step at a time, and trust that God has already equipped you for the journey ahead.