How to Step Up When God Calls You Forward
In many significant moments in my ministry, I never felt fully prepared for them, but I was willing. As I look back, that factor made all the difference. If we look throughout Scripture and church history, that’s often what happens when God is calling someone toward something greater. We don’t feel equipped for it, but in the right time, He equips us.
Joshua is a great example of this. He stood up to the challenge when God called him to lead. He was going to follow Moses in leading God’s people into the Promised Land. Imagine stepping into a role like that; I know the doubts would have been piling up in my mind!
God Is Calling You Before You Feel Ready
God never waited for Joshua to feel ready. Readiness wasn’t the requirement.
God told him, “Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them… Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you” (Joshua 1:2-3, ESV).
Joshua didn’t need a perfect plan. God had already worked out the details. All Joshua had to do was trust Him and take the next step.
Courage Comes From Who’s With You
God tells Joshua three separate times in this chapter to be strong and courageous. He repeats it because He knows how quickly human beings can talk ourselves out of obedience. Each time, He pairs the command with a promise:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, ESV).
It’s important to note that courage was never about Joshua being fearless. It was a call for him to trust that God was walking with him. That he wasn’t leading alone, and neither are we.
When God Is Calling You Into Something Hard
There was a season years ago at our church when a sudden leadership flip completely changed my role. I went from associate to interim lead. I had loads of internal questions of worry and doubt. Could I actually lead through this? Did I have what it takes?
I didn’t really need answers to those questions. I needed to remember that God’s call wasn’t going to be about my readiness. It never was. Instead, I needed to trust His purpose and take the step that was in front of me.
What Is God Calling You Forward Into?
Maybe you’re sitting with a big shift or opportunity right now. A new role, a tough conversation, a decision that you’ve been putting off because you don’t feel sure yet. The certainty you’re looking for may never show up.
At some point, you need to make your move. When you do, hold onto what God told Joshua:
“Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, ESV).
Remember that God’s not asking you to have it all figured out. He’s asking you to follow where He’s already leading you.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- What’s one situation where you felt unprepared but stepped up anyway? What did you learn from it?
- How do you sense when God is calling you toward something?
- What fear is holding you back from taking that next step right now?
