There comes a moment in every believer’s life when the choice is clear: stay safe and stuck, or take a step of faith. We talk a lot about trusting God, but sometimes trust looks less like peaceful waiting and more like nervous obedience. A shaky step forward. A deep breath and a gulp. However, if you know God is calling you, you must move forward.

Faith doesn’t always feel strong. In fact, it often feels like trembling hands and racing hearts. But faith is not the absence of fear—it’s movement in spite of it. This is the kind of faith God honors, this is the kind of faith that advances His Kingdom.

Let’s look at a few examples of faithful forward motion in Scripture. These aren’t fairytale heroes who always felt bold and sure—they were real people who chose obedience even when the path ahead felt risky or unclear.

Abraham: Moving Without a Map

Abraham’s story in Genesis 12 begins with a stunning command: “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1, NIV)

Not “Go to Canaan.” Not “Here’s a route, here’s your GPS.” Just “Go… to the land I will show you.”

Imagine packing up your life, your family, your future—and stepping into the unknown with no details, no destination, and no guarantees except God said so. Abraham didn’t wait for every detail to fall into place. He moved forward at God’s word. That’s faith.

Daniel: Standing Alone with Conviction

Fast forward to Daniel, exiled in Babylon—a godless culture, surrounded by compromise. Everyone around him had adjusted their standards. Daniel could’ve gone with the flow to keep his position and his comfort, but instead, Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8), even though that meant standing almost completely alone. He was faithful in the small decisions—what he would eat, how he would pray—and God honored it.

Daniel shows us that forward motion in faith sometimes looks like staying planted in conviction while everyone else drifts. It may not be popular. It may cost you status or relationships. But if God has called you to stand—stand.

Esther: Courage in the Face of Risk

Esther’s story is one of the most well-known in Scripture. She was given a divine opportunity to influence a king and save her people. Stepping into that moment wasn’t glamorous, it was terrifying. She told Mordecai, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Esther had every reason to stay silent. Self-preservation would’ve been the easy choice. Faith compelled her to speak up—even when the cost could’ve been her life.

Sometimes moving forward in faith means putting it all on the line. It’s not reckless—it’s trusting that God’s hand is over the outcome.

Jesus: Obedience to the Cross

And of course, our ultimate example is Jesus. No one was more aware of the cost of obedience than Christ Himself. He knew the cross was coming. He knew the betrayal, the suffering, the agony. He even said, “Don’t you think I could call on My Father, and He would at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). But Jesus didn’t call for a rescue. He submitted. He obeyed. He moved forward—for us.

“Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Jesus teaches us that sometimes faith means walking straight into pain, into sacrifice—knowing that resurrection is coming, that purpose is on the other side, and that the Kingdom of God is worth it all.

Your Turn: Do Your Part

Each of these stories reminds us that the first step doesn’t always come with full clarity or confidence. But God doesn’t ask for perfect understanding—He asks for obedience.

What’s your move?

• Is it a job change that doesn’t make sense on paper?
• A conversation you’ve been avoiding?
• A ministry you feel unqualified to start?
• A boundary you need to hold, even if it’s unpopular?

Whatever it is, take the step. God’s provision meets our obedience. When we do our part—when we trust, move, stand, speak, obey—He always does His. Do you need provision for your step of faith? He’s a provider. Do you need protection for your step of faith? He’s your Protector. Do you need wisdom for your step of faith? He’s your infallible guide.

Scripture says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) Be careful: “still” does not mean stuck. Sometimes it means settled in trust as we keep stepping forward.

So take a deep breath. Gulp if you have to. But move forward. You’ll find that your treasure awaits on the other side of your obedience!

p.s. here’s my move of faith today! Launching a new ministry, Connect Mentoring Network. Friend, we are in this together – as I am asking you to step out, I am also stepping out! Let’s pray for each other!