Courage Isn’t Loud – It’s Obedience in Motion

Are you ready to finally step out of hesitation and into bold, God-led action?

You may have already prayed about courage, read a dozen devotionals, or scrolled Instagram looking for the perfect motivational quote, but deep down, you know it’s not about inspiration alone. It’s about obedience. Because courage isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s just the quiet, steady motion of saying “yes” to God in the moment you want to say “maybe later.”

Many people believe courage has to look like standing on a stage, writing a book, or leading a huge movement. But what if that belief is holding you back?

If you’re struggling with the fear of making the wrong move, of speaking up, or of leading—even in your own life, you’re not alone. That’s exactly where I’ve been, and it’s why this week, we’re talking about the courage to act.

👉 Hint: If you missed last week’s post, When You Feel Too Insecure to Lead (Even in Your Own Life), you’ll definitely want to read it right here. It ties directly into this week’s challenge.

Why Obedience = Courage

Here’s the hard truth: procrastination, perfectionism, and people-pleasing are really just fear in disguise. (And let’s be honest, they wear that disguise so well we sometimes don’t even realize it!)

But the opposite of fear isn’t bravado. It’s obedience.

As Joshua 1:9 reminds us: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When God asks you to do something, start the conversation, say no to that distraction, make the phone call, write the words, forgive the person—it’s not about how loud or fearless you look. It’s about whether you will take the step.

Always remember: delayed obedience is still disobedience. (Ouch, I know. I felt that one too.)

So, what if instead of waiting to “feel” courageous, you just acted in obedience today?

My Routine for Courage in Action

A day in my life doesn’t always look dramatic, but obedience shapes it.

• Morning: I start by asking God one question: “What’s the next step of obedience today?” (Sometimes it’s big. Sometimes it’s just “text your friend to encourage her.”)
  
• Noon: When fear creeps in, I don’t fight it with willpower. I write it down and ask, “Is this fear bigger than God’s promise?” Spoiler: it never is.
  
• Evening: I reflect on where I obeyed and where I hesitated. And instead of beating myself up, I ask God to show me how to step better tomorrow.
  

James 1:22 says it plainly: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
That’s the heartbeat of courage. It’s not knowledge alone, it’s action in motion.

This rhythm keeps me moving forward, even if the steps are small.

How is your routine serving you? Is it leading you toward obedience, or toward delay?

The 7-Day Courage to Act Challenge (Free for You)

Because I know how hard it is to go from “thinking about it” to “doing it,” I’ve created a simple 7-day challenge you can start today. No sign-up required. Just you, a notebook, and the courage to act.

Day 1: Pray and ask God for one small step of obedience. Do it the same day.
Day 2: Write down one fear that’s been holding you back. Cross it out and replace it with a truth from Scripture.
Day 3: Encourage someone else. Courage grows when you give it away.
Day 4: Take action on something you’ve been putting off (yes, even that phone call).
Day 5: Share a testimony {big or small) with someone. Speaking it strengthens your faith.
Day 6: Do something outside your comfort zone, even if it’s just sitting in a new spot at church.
Day 7: Reflect: Where did you see God’s hand when you stepped out? Write it down as your own “courage story.”

Because courage grows by motion, not by wishing.

Print yours here:

Courage isn’t Loud — A Word of Encouragement

You don’t need to wait until you feel fearless to act. You just need to say “yes” to God’s nudge today.

As 1 Samuel 15:22 reminds us: “…To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” Obedience is God’s definition of courage.

Courage isn’t loud. It’s obedience in motion.

So, what’s your next step?

➡️ Drop a comment with which day of the challenge you’re starting with. (Day 1 counts if you’re reading this today!)

And don’t forget—you can check out last week’s post here if you need a reminder of how insecurity and courage are tied together in this series Becoming Who God Says I Am.

Because you really can live boldly. One obedient step at a time.

Subscribe so you don’t miss any in the series “Becoming Who God Says I Am” series. July’s theme: “Start with the Mind”, “August: “Walk in Confidence”, next month….well, subscribe and you will find out.  Be sure and go back here to pick up any you missed: https://myicanstory.com/my-i-can-story-blog/

And if you are ready to be more intentional.  I highly encourage you to download our Renew Your Mind Micro Course + Workbook here: https://myicanstory.com/renew/