Taking a step despite fear: the first small step of Joshua and Peter
There are things you have been putting off for a long time because they scare you: a hard phone call, a job application, a conversation, a medical appointment, a commitment. Fear tells you to wait until you are ready. But courage doesn't come before the step: it comes by taking it. This quest invites you to identify one thing and take the first small step toward it.
What it looks like in your day
Name the fear. "I'm afraid to call my father." "I'm afraid to apply." "I'm afraid to ask forgiveness." Write it down. A fear that is named loses some of its strength.
Break it down. A big thing is paralyzing; a small step is not. Break it up: instead of "reconcile with my father," "look up his number," then "write him a three-line message." The first step must be so small that you can't say no.
Do it today. Not tomorrow. Tomorrow, fear will have regained ground. Set a specific time.
Pray beforehand. A few words: "Lord, I'm afraid, but I want to move forward. Be with me."
Take the step, then stop. No need to go further. The step taken will give you momentum for the next one.
Give thanks. Even if the step seemed small or clumsy, thank God: you moved forward.
Courage is not the absence of fear, it is action in spite of it. If you wait for fear to disappear, you may wait a long time.
If you are in a hurry, remember this principle: one step, today, however tiny. If you are shy, remember that many courageous people are shy people who dared. If the fear is linked to a trauma, don't force it: move forward with someone to accompany you.
What the Bible says
God says to Joshua, at the moment of succeeding Moses:
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
The command is repeated: be strong, be of good courage, be not afraid. But the reason lies in the last sentence: "for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Courage rests on a presence. The New Testament offers another example, with Peter asking Jesus to let him come to him on the water:
“And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
Peter takes the first step, he walks, then fear grips him, he begins to sink, and Jesus stretches out his hand. Notice two things: he dared to get out of the boat, and Jesus caught him when fear returned. Courage doesn't prevent the fall, but Jesus's hand is there. Moses was already telling the people: "Be strong and of a good courage" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Pitfalls to avoid
Waiting until you are no longer afraid. You risk waiting forever. Move forward with it.
Thinking too big. An oversized step discourages you. Choose one your size.
Judging yourself if you sink. Peter was afraid and sank, and Jesus didn't reject him. Your fear doesn't disqualify you.
Acting without prudence. Courage doesn't mean recklessness. Some fears protect you: discern the ones that hold you back wrongly.
Moving forward alone. A friend, a spouse or a brother can accompany you in your step. Ask them.
Today, name your fear. Choose the smallest possible step and take it before tonight.