The Gate — J Calaway — Make Today Count — Sign of Fear
“If it scares you, it’s a sign you need to do it.”
This idea, often attributed to fearless thinkers, challenges us to see fear not as a stop sign, but as a green light to grow.
Think about Moses in Exodus 4:10-12. God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt, but Moses was terrified. He said, “I’m not eloquent! I can’t speak!” Sound familiar? Maybe you’re saying, “I’m not ready, God. I’m not qualified.” But God’s response to Moses is for us too: “Who gave human beings their mouths? … Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Fear didn’t disqualify Moses—it was a sign God was about to do something incredible through him.
So, what’s scaring you today? A dream you’ve shelved? A step of obedience you’re avoiding? That fear is a signal you’re standing at the edge of your promised land. Don’t run from it—lean into it.
leaning into fear doesn’t mean you won’t feel it. It means you choose faith over fear. In Joshua 1:9, God tells Joshua, “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.” Joshua was stepping into Moses’ shoes, leading a nation into a land of giants—talk about scary! But God didn’t say, “You won’t feel fear.” He said, “Don’t let fear stop you, because I’m with you.”
1. Name the Fear: Write down what’s scaring you. Is it a career change? A ministry step? Naming it takes away some of its power. Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Bring it to God.
2. Take One Step: You don’t need the whole plan—just the next step. Like David facing Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, he didn’t overthink it; he picked up a stone and trusted God. What’s your one stone today?
3. Surround Yourself with Faith-Builders: Fear grows in isolation, but faith thrives in community. Find people who’ll remind you of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Fear isn’t the Stop Sign—It’s your sign to Go!
Make Today Count!