The Courage to Move: Trusting the Next Step When Fear Whispers Doubt

Have you ever felt like standing at the edge of a canyon? You can see the beauty, the promise, the life on the other side—the calling, the assignment, the next chapter of the work—but your feet feel rooted to the spot by a thick, invisible fog of ‘what if’s’ and ‘I can’t’s?

It’s a feeling every single one of us knows. We’ve all been there, standing in the quiet moments before a big missionary discussion, or right before we feel ready to take a step into a new assignment in the field. The voice of fear is persistent; it whispers that we aren't equipped, that we aren't ready, that we should wait until the anxiety lifts.

But if you’ve been listening closely to the lessons of the restored gospel, you know that waiting for the fear to pass is often the very thing that keeps us stuck.

What I was reminded of recently, while studying the scriptures and reflecting on the power of testimony, is that true progress—whether it’s mastering a new skill for missionary preparation, or simply moving from one stage of discipleship to the next—requires us to *act* even when the feeling isn't there. We wait for the Spirit to give us a feeling of absolute certainty before we move, but the Spirit often moves us *through* the feeling.

The Difference Between Fear and Faith

The transcript we reviewed today really hit home on this. It spoke of a woman paralyzed by anxiety, and the simple, challenging question: “Why don’t you just do it, even if you’re afraid?”

It’s easy to feel fear. Every hero in the scriptures—Esther, Joseph Smith, even the early Apostles—felt fear. That’s normal! Feeling fear doesn't mean you are weak; it means you are human and you care deeply about doing what is right. The danger isn't the feeling; the danger is letting the feeling dictate the action.

Our covenant path isn't about feeling perfect; it's about choosing to trust the covenant path *despite* the feelings. It’s about recognizing that the power of the Atonement is greater than the weight of our anxieties.

The Lesson of Joshua

Think about Joshua. He was called to lead a people into the Promised Land. Moses, who was so central to their journey, had to step aside. And what did God give Joshua? He didn't give him a guarantee that the path would be easy, or that the fear wouldn't visit him. Instead, God reminded him: “I have given you every place where you set your foot.”

This is the core principle for us as disciples today, whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake, or simply having a conversation with an investigator in our living rooms. God has already prepared the groundwork. He has given us the tools, the knowledge, and the covenant promises. Our job is to take the next step, trusting that the Lord is with us, and He is bigger than the fear.

“And if you keep the commandments of God, you shall have eternal life; and if you keep them, you shall have all that you can desire.”

This isn't just about physical movement; it’s about spiritual momentum. It’s about leaving the comfort of what is familiar—even if that familiarity is stagnation—to follow where the Spirit is gently leading. Sometimes, to get to the New, we have to let go of the Old, and that letting go feels terrifyingly empty.

Putting This into Practice: The Disciple Challenge

If you are feeling that pull toward a new assignment, a difficult conversation, or perhaps you’ve been wrestling with a scripture study concept lately, don't let the hesitation win. Instead, let's practice that ‘act anyway’ muscle.

For this week, I invite you to try a small act of faith. Maybe it’s sending that text to a friend you haven't connected with in months, or perhaps it’s raising your hand in the Book Club discussion in HolyPlaces even if you feel unprepared. Just take the step, knowing that the Lord will strengthen you in the moment.

If this message resonated with you, please consider joining our next gathering. We're diving deeper into building spiritual resilience and discussing how to live as true Internet missionaries in our daily lives. Check the link below to RSVP!