“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
My hands were clammy, my heart was racing, and my mind was filled with every possible way I could mess this up. This was it—my first sermon. Singing and leading worship? Easy. But preaching? That was a different story. As I stepped up to the pulpit, I felt completely out of my depth.
I was nervous, no doubt about it. What if I stumbled over my words? What if no one connected with what I was saying? But I trusted God and did it anyway. Was it the best sermon I’ve ever preached? Not even close. But it was a start. Afterward, I felt a mix of relief, doubt, and quiet gratitude. I had trusted God, and He had brought me through it.
Isaiah 41:13 reminds us of God’s steadying presence in those moments of uncertainty. When we feel like we don’t know what we’re doing or don’t have what it takes, God says, “Do not fear; I will help you.” It’s easy to trust Him when you’re great at something, but when you’re stepping into the unknown, that’s where His presence really shines.
That first sermon wasn’t just about getting through a moment; it was the beginning of a journey. God didn’t just guide me once—He used that experience to prepare me for what was ahead. Trusting Him in that moment made it easier to trust Him the next time and the next.
So, what’s the first step God is asking you to take? It might feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. God doesn’t ask for perfection; He asks for trust. Take that step, even if your hands are shaking. Trust Him to do what only He can—guide you, strengthen you, and show you just how faithful He is.
— Paul, LifeSongs
Reflective Question:
What’s one area of your life where fear or uncertainty is holding you back? How can you trust God to guide you through that first step?
Prayer:
“Dear God, please help me to not be afraid, but to trust You are who You say You are.”
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