Do It Scared – Walking in Faith Despite Fear

Faith Is Not the Absence of Fear

"Do it scared" is more than a motivational phrase; it is a spiritual posture. It recognises a profound truth: courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward in obedience despite it. In life and in marriage, fear often shows up when we are standing at the edge of growth — when we are required to trust God beyond what feels safe, predictable, or controllable.

Walking in faith does not mean you will never tremble. It means you choose God’s voice over your fear, His promises over your feelings, and His direction over your doubts. True faith is forged not in comfort, but in uncertainty.

The Psychology of Fear: Why We Tremble

Fear is a natural, biological response designed to protect us from harm. Psychologically, it is rooted in the brain’s amygdala, which triggers the fight, flight, or freeze response when we perceive danger. However, in modern life and relationships, the "danger" is often emotional, relational, or psychological rather than physical.

Common sources of fear in life and marriage include:

Fear of rejection or abandonment

Fear of failure or inadequacy

Fear of vulnerability

Fear of repeating past trauma

Fear of conflict

Fear of loss or change

These fears shape our behaviour. We may avoid difficult conversations, stay silent instead of expressing needs, settle for unhealthy patterns, or cling to control in order to feel safe. Over time, fear can become a prison that limits love, growth, intimacy, and purpose.

Psychologically, fear is sustained by:

Catastrophic thinking

Past unresolved trauma

Negative self-belief systems

Conditioning from childhood

Emotional memory

Left unchecked, fear rewires the brain to prioritise safety over growth, comfort over calling, and protection over purpose.

The Psychology of Faith: Rewiring the Mind

Faith, in contrast, operates from a different system. While fear is rooted in perceived threat, faith is rooted in trust — trust in God’s character, sovereignty, and goodness.

From a psychological perspective, faith challenges fear by:

Reframing negative narratives

Replacing threat perception with hopeful expectation

Activating the prefrontal cortex (rational thought over emotional panic)

Strengthening resilience

Cultivating emotional regulation

Faith teaches the mind to ask not, "What if it goes wrong?" but "What if God is in this?"

Romans 12:2 reminds us:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

This renewal is essential in confronting fear. Faith reframes reality. It speaks louder than anxiety and steadier than uncertainty.

Do It Scared in Life: Growth Requires Risk

In life, fear often appears when we are about to step into something new: a new career, calling, ministry, relocation, healing journey, or purpose-driven decision. Many stay stuck not because God has not spoken, but because fear feels more convincing than faith.

To "do it scared" means:

Obey even when the outcome is unclear

Trust God without having all the details

Step forward while your knees still shake

Move before confidence arrives

Biblical faith has always required movement.

When God told Abraham to leave his homeland, He did not show him the full map — only the next step.

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." – Hebrews 11:8

Faith is not knowing everything. It is trusting the One who knows everything.

Do It Scared in Marriage: Loving Through Vulnerability

Marriage exposes fears more loudly than any other relationship. The closeness, expectations, emotional exposure, and responsibility can awaken deep insecurities and past wounds.

In marriage, fear may look like:

Fear of being misunderstood

Fear of not being enough

Fear of intimacy

Fear of conflict escalating

Fear of abandonment or betrayal

This fear can cause spouses to shut down emotionally, become defensive, or avoid honest communication. Over time, emotional distance replaces vulnerability.

Doing it scared in marriage means:

Being honest even when it feels risky

Choosing forgiveness even when hurt

Pursuing healing even when painful

Loving openly even when afraid of being wounded

1 John 4:18 declares:

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear."

God’s design for marriage is not fear-based love, but faith-filled intimacy. Love that trusts God more than it fears rejection.

God’s Pattern of Courage

Throughout Scripture, God consistently speaks to people in moments of fear with the same message: "Do not be afraid."

To Joshua: "Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

To Gideon: "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." (Judges 6:12)

To Mary: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God." (Luke 1:30)

None of these individuals felt fearless. They felt unqualified, overwhelmed, and uncertain — yet they moved in obedience. God’s power was revealed in their trembling obedience.

Faith Does Not Silence Fear — It Leads Through It

Courage is not the elimination of anxiety but the choice to move forward in spite of it. Faith does not deny the presence of fear; it confronts it with truth.

2 Timothy 1:7 affirms:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."

A sound mind is not a mind without trembling — it is a mind anchored in God’s peace despite trembling.

How to Walk in Faith While Scared

1. Name the Fear

Identify what you are afraid of. Naming the fear weakens its control.

2. Confront the Thoughts

Challenge the narratives feeding your fear. Ask: Is this truth or trauma speaking?

3. Anchor in Scripture

Let God’s Word redefine your internal dialogue.

4. Take the Step Anyway

Do not wait for fear to disappear. Move with it.

5. Pray Through the Fear

Pray honestly. God does not require pretence to deliver peace.

When Fear Meets Faith: Transformation Happens

Fear says: "Stay where it is safe." Faith says: "Walk with Me."

Fear says: "You will fail." Faith says: "God will sustain."

Fear says: "You are not ready." Faith says: "My grace is sufficient."

Real transformation in life and marriage occurs when faith is chosen over fear consistently.

Obedience Is Bravery in Motion

To do it scared is to honour God through trembling obedience. It is to admit your humanity while trusting His divinity. It is to follow faith even when your heart beats fast and your hands shake.

Faith does not promise ease; it promises presence. God does not remove every fear, but He promises to walk with you through it.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." – Psalm 56:3

So step forward. Speak the truth. Love again. Forgive again. Trust again.

Do it scared — because faith begins where certainty ends.

Will & Efe Chaniwa

Co Founders - Come Broken

Rooted in Christ Ministries