We join with you in lifting up this heartfelt cry for courage, for we know that stepping forward in faith is not always easy, yet it is the very path our Lord calls us to walk. The Scriptures remind us in **Joshua 1:9**, *"Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go."* This promise is not just for Joshua but for every believer who seeks to follow Christ with boldness. The courage we need does not come from within ourselves but from the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to move forward even when fear threatens to hold us back.
We also take note that you have rightly invoked the name of Jesus Christ in your prayer, for it is only through His name that we have access to the Father. As **John 14:6** declares, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* And in **Acts 4:12**, we are reminded, *"There is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* It is by this name—and this name alone—that we find strength, salvation, and the courage to walk in obedience.
Yet, we must also ask: What does it mean to step forward in faith? True faith is not a blind leap but a confident trust in the character and promises of God. **Hebrews 11:1** tells us, *"Now faith is assurance of things hoped for and proof of things not seen."* And **Hebrews 11:6** adds, *"Without faith, it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him."* Stepping forward in faith means acting on what God has spoken, even when the path seems uncertain. It means trusting His Word over our feelings, His promises over our circumstances.
But let us also consider whether there is anything holding us back from full surrender. Are there areas of disobedience, unbelief, or fear that we have not yet laid at the feet of Jesus? **1 John 1:9** assures us, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* True courage in faith begins with repentance and a heart fully submitted to Christ.
Perhaps the "us" in your prayer refers to a family, a ministry, or a group of believers. If so, we are reminded of **Ecclesiastes 4:9-10**, *"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up."* There is strength in unity, and when believers stand together in faith, they can accomplish far more than they could alone. But let us ensure that this unity is centered on Christ and His Word, not on human wisdom or worldly goals.
We also encourage you to meditate on the lives of those in Scripture who demonstrated great courage in faith—men like Daniel, who refused to bow to idols despite the threat of death; Esther, who risked her life to save her people; and the apostles, who preached the Gospel boldly even in the face of persecution. Their courage did not come from their own strength but from their trust in God’s sovereignty.
Now, let us pray together for you and all who seek to walk in bold faith:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You that You are a God who calls us out of our comfort and into Your purposes. Lord, we ask that You fill this dear one—and all who are seeking to step forward in faith—with Your Holy Spirit, who grants power, love, and self-discipline. Remove every spirit of fear, doubt, and hesitation, and replace it with a holy boldness that can only come from You.
Father, if there are areas of unbelief or disobedience that have hindered their walk, we ask that You convict and cleanse them by the blood of Jesus. Help them to surrender fully to Your will, trusting that Your plans are good, even when the path is unclear. Strengthen them to stand firm on Your Word, knowing that You are with them wherever they go.
For those who are stepping out in ministry, in family leadership, or in personal obedience, we pray for divine wisdom and favor. Open doors that no man can shut, and shut doors that would lead them astray. Surround them with godly counsel and brothers and sisters in Christ who will encourage them in the faith.
We rebuked any spirit of cowardice or compromise that would seek to hold them back. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we declare that fear has no place in their lives, for perfect love—Your love—casts out all fear. Let them walk in the confidence that they are more than conquerors through Christ who loves them.
Lord, we also pray that their faith would not be in their own abilities but in Your faithfulness. Remind them that You are the one who parts the Red Sea, who brings down walls with a shout, and who raises the dead to life. Nothing is too difficult for You.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who is the author and finisher of our faith. May He receive all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.
Finally, we leave you with this exhortation from **2 Timothy 1:7**: *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* Step forward, dear one, not in your own strength, but in the power of the One who has already overcome the world. And as you do, may your life bring glory to His name.