A Prayer for Courage to Step into the Unknown
By Clarence Haynes
Bible Reading:
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. - Genesis 12:1
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I often wonder what went through Abraham’s mind when he heard this word from the Lord. Was he nervous? Was he afraid? Did he wonder if it was truly the Lord speaking to him? Better yet, what went through Sarah’s mind? Can you imagine walking into your home today and announcing to your spouse that you are packing up everything, loading up the car, and moving? When they ask where you're all going, you tell them, 'I don’t know, but when we get in the car, God will show us which way to go.'
In Abraham’s story, we have the benefit of looking back and knowing the outcome. Abraham did not have the luxury of knowing what the future held, and in the journey of our lives, neither do we. He had a promise from God and obeyed him based on it. We must do the same thing.
Consider for a moment what Abraham was leaving behind. He was walking away from his country and his father’s household. This was abandoning his identity. He was leaving what was secure and familiar to walk into what was vulnerable, unpredictable, and unstable. He put himself in a position where he had to depend completely on the God who called him.
It is easy to applaud Abraham for his faith, but it is a lot scarier when you must make the choice. Faith is always easier when there is no trial or the current trial has ended. However, do you have the same faith when you don’t know what lies ahead? That is when courage steps in. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the resolve to move forward despite the fear. It’s the decision to let your faith in God be bigger than your fear of the unknown.
Courage Is Part of the Journey
Your walk with Christ is one of courage and faith. This starts at the beginning. Trusting Christ for your salvation and placing your eternal destiny in his hands is an act of courage and faith. Outside of those who walked with Jesus, none of us has seen him with our own eyes, yet we believe. This initial step of faith prepares us for a lifetime of courageous choices.
As you continue on your faith journey, you will need to summon the courage to step out without knowing what lies ahead. Abraham did it. Peter did it when he got out of the boat and walked on water. You must do the same. Mostly, when you are following God’s leading, you do so without having complete information. All you might have is a promise and a prompt. You don’t know what will happen, but you trust God will honor what he has said in his Word. My friend, that takes courage. Thankfully, you don’t have to muster this on your own, because the Holy Spirit empowers you.
What Is God Asking You to Do?
Let’s make this very personal. What is God asking you to do right now? He may not be asking you to pack up everything and move, but he could. Is God asking you to start a new ministry, step into a new career, or simply be still and trust him when every impulse tells you to do the opposite? Whether you feel you have complete information or just a clear sense that God is leading you, continue to trust him. If you are a little nervous or fearful, that is not unusual. I might even add that it is a little healthy because it causes you to depend completely on God, just like Abraham did. This journey requires you to push through the fear and trust in a God who never fails. It might feel scary, but that is where courage and faith must take over.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father,
I come before you with a heart that is both willing and anxious. I know what you have called me to do. Whether it is standing for truth, shining the light of Christ, or simply following your will, none of these feels natural or even comfortable, but I know this is what you desire from me.
My prayer today is for the courage to trust your word, your promises, and your Spirit, so that I may follow your heart. Give me boldness to let go of what you are asking me to let go of and to step out of the boat into the unknown. Give me the courage to know that when I cannot trust what is uncertain, I can trust in you, who is certain. Help me to take your promises and live with courage, allowing my life to reflect your faithfulness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/francescoch
He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose, which helps readers understand how God leads them into his will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has released his first course, Bible Study Basics, to achieve that goal. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.
Related Resource: Be Still - Advent Meditations
This Advent season can be full and hurried, which is exactly why we need moments to pause and be still with God. So Much More is a podcast created to bring you space to be with God - and this month, we're walking through Advent Meditations all designed to help you quiet yourself and hear from the Lord. If you like what you hear, subscribe to So Much More on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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Originally published Saturday, 27 December 2025.
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