Do It In Faith, Not Fear
- Andrea Brown
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Our guest blog this month is by Andrea T. Brown, R.N., MBA.
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Psalm 56:3 ESV
Friend, have you ever been told, “Do it afraid”?
I have, and honestly, it didn’t turn out how I expected. Why? Because the foundation was off.
I once left a position of influence to start a business. On the surface, it looked like a bold leap of faith. But deep down, I was afraid, and with good reason. Though it sounded noble, the truth is that God wasn’t in it. I hadn’t sought His direction. I was chasing my own desires, hoping He’d bless it after the fact.
Another time, I bought my first car—a flashy, expensive one with special rims and tires. I rushed into it, ignoring my husband’s caution. In fact, I signed the papers while he was at work. It didn’t take long to realize the upkeep was worse than the payments.
Fear isn’t always something to push through. Sometimes, it’s a warning—a gentle check in our spirit that we’re stepping ahead of God or walking without Him entirely. I’ve learned this the hard way. I used to think God’s “No” meant I’d miss out when, in truth, it was His way of protecting and preparing me for something better.
Overcoming Fear with Faith
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Culture Versus Our Calling
We live in a world that prizes speed. Everything is microwaved, bite-sized, and immediately delivered. But, beloved, those who follow Christ are called to a different rhythm. We wait, we listen, and we move at the pace of His Spirit.
In a digital age, where truth is often reduced to catchy slogans and “hot takes,” messages can easily lose their weight. One phrase I see frequently is, “Do it afraid.”
This phrase, popularized by Elisabeth Elliot, was born from her experiences of significant loss and hardship for the sake of the Gospel.
It was a call to obedience in the face of fear, not a license for reckless action. “Do it afraid” sounds noble and empowering. Yet, left unexamined, it can lead us down a path God never intended.
The Origin of “Do It Afraid”
The phrase traces back to Elisabeth Elliot, who said: “Sometimes, when we are called to obey, the fear does not subside, and we are expected to move against the fear. One must choose to do it afraid.”
Her words, full of depth and experience, were anchored in obedience to God — not in braving it alone. She was not suggesting we push through terror in our own strength but that we obey in the strength of the Lord, even when our emotions lag behind.
"Sometimes, when we are called to obey, the fear does not subside, and we are expected to move against the fear. One must choose to do it afraid.”
~Elisabeth Elliot
A Word of Caution
Out of context, however, “Do it afraid” can become a license for hasty decisions, flesh-driven striving, or bypassing the necessary work of surrender. Without surrender, we risk moving from fear-based ambition rather than Spirit-led obedience. It's important to remember that fear may spark movement, but only faith can sustain it.
In my journey, I've learned to pause to discern:
Is fear revealing an area where God wants to heal and strengthen me?
Am I rushing ahead because I feel pressure, or am I responding to the gentle nudge of His Spirit?
Is this a step of bold faith or self-reliance dressed up as courage?
Fear’s False Permission
Fear often masks itself as urgency, seen in phrases such as, “Just do it!” “Push through!” “You’ll never feel ready, so go!”
But God doesn’t call us to reckless movement. He calls us to faithful obedience. And faith, though it may exist alongside trembling flesh, is always rooted in trust — not torment.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Gideon’s Story: A Lesson in Surrendered Boldness
We can learn a lot from Gideon. He was fearful, doubtful, and honest. He didn’t pretend he was brave. He brought his weakness to God. He asked questions and received confirmation. Even as God called him forward, Gideon advanced not in his own might but in the assurance that God was with him, instilling a deep sense of confidence and security in him.
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18 NIV
When fear rises, it’s not an invitation to muscle our way forward but a signal to pause and allow God’s perfect love to minister to our hearts. Fear loses its grip when love takes its rightful place.
The Differences In Fear
Since we are talking about fear, it is important to remember that not all fear is the same. There’s a kind of fear that’s healthy and even helpful—the kind that rises when danger is near. It’s grounded in reality. It tells us to be alert and ready and sometimes leave when situations are unsafe. That kind of fear serves the purpose of protection.
But then there’s the fear that grips the soul, torments, unsettles and whispers lies about God’s goodness or our security in Him. That’s not from the Lord. And here’s where I don’t want us to get confused: The fear of the Lord is different. It’s not rooted in panic or punishment; it is reverent and draws us into worship. The fear of the Lord is rooted in His goodness and the truth that we are deeply loved.
A Word For The Hour
Friend, God is not asking you to adopt the world’s logic. He’s inviting you into His presence. The cross has granted us access, and faith flourishes in communion with Him. Let’s slow down. Let’s not exchange God’s rich truth for oversimplified slogans. A mixture (a little leaven) will always distort pure devotion. We aren’t called to “Do it afraid.” We are called to “do it surrendered."
From surrender flows faith.
From faith flows boldness.
From boldness flows victory in Him.
Today, consider: Where am I striving to “push through” rather than surrender? How might God be inviting me to pause, process, and rest in His perfect love?
A Prayer to Overcome Fear
Abba Father, I bring my fears and anxieties to You, knowing Your perfect love casts out fear. I confess where I’ve leaned on my own strength instead of resting in Your love. Teach me to obey not from a place of anxiety but from a place of confidence in You. You've filled me with Your Spirit, led me, and helped me to rest in Your perfection.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
Fear was far too costly.
So she chose freedom — anchored in His extravagant love.
She no longer lives under fear’s shadow but is fully embraced by the One who holds her securely.
She no longer does it afraid — she steps forward in bold faith.
Friend, have you ever been encouraged to “Do it afraid”? How has God taught you to trust Him instead?
Share your testimony in the comments. Your story may encourage someone else to walk surrendered and in faith.
Meet the Author: Andrea Brown, R.N., MBA.
Hi, I’m Andrea Brown. I am a wife, mother, aspiring author, the writer behind TheOneThing1 and the host of a podcast called Seed For The Soul. Yet, I believe the most crucial position I’ve been given is as a daughter of God, and it has become my passion and delight to share the transformative power of Jesus.
I am passionate about sharing my journey and seeing others set free from every bondage. My heart, writing, and speaking are for the glory of Jesus that many will be saved and walk in victory by practically exercising their God-given authority in Christ alone.
I hope you will visit me as we dine at the Master’s table. You can find me here:
Substack, my TheOneThing1 website, and on social media.
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