Have you ever felt God nudging you toward something—but fear held you back?
Maybe it’s starting a new ministry, having a difficult conversation, pursuing a dream, stepping into leadership, or simply trusting Him through an uncertain season. Fear has a way of convincing us that we’re not qualified, not capable, or not ready. Yet throughout Scripture, we see ordinary women doing extraordinary things—not because they were fearless, but because they trusted a mighty God.
On a recent episode of The Love Offering Podcast, I had the privilege of talking with author and speaker Laura L. Smith about her book, Brave Women, Mighty God. Together, we explored what it means to live courageously in our everyday lives and how God equips us to step forward in faith, even when we feel inadequate.
Courage Isn’t About You
One of the most encouraging truths Laura shared is that bravery isn’t about having confidence in us—it’s about having confidence in God.
Many of us look at the women of the Bible and assume they possessed some special strength or courage that we lack. We admire Esther’s boldness, Ruth’s faithfulness, Hannah’s perseverance, and Abigail’s wisdom. But when we look closely, we discover that these women faced many of the same emotions we experience today: uncertainty, fear, grief, rejection, and difficult circumstances.
What made the difference wasn’t their own ability. It was their willingness to trust God.
As Laura reminded listeners, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every believer. That means we don’t have to rely on our own strength to do what God is calling us to do.
Fear Often Stands Between Us and Obedience
Fear is one of the enemy’s favorite tools.
It whispers questions like:
- What if you fail?
- What if no one shows up?
- What if they reject you?
- What if you’re not good enough?
Those fears can keep us stuck for years. Yet often the very thing we’re afraid to do is the thing God is inviting us into. Whether it’s reaching out to a neighbor, leading a Bible study, starting a business, writing a book, or sharing our testimony, obedience usually requires courage. We rarely feel fully prepared when God calls us forward. Thankfully, God doesn’t ask us to see the entire path. He simply asks us to take the next step.
God Meets Us in Ordinary Moments
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was discussing how God works not only through dramatic moments but also through ordinary faithfulness. We often celebrate the women in Scripture who influenced nations, spoke before kings, or changed the course of history. Yet many of those same women spent most of their lives doing everyday tasks.
Rebecca was drawing water from a well.
The Samaritan woman was carrying out her daily routine.
The widow of Zarephath was simply making a meal.
God met them right where they were. The same is true for us. He is present in the school drop-offs, grocery store runs, laundry piles, work meetings, and quiet moments of prayer. The God of the universe cares about every detail of our lives and often does His greatest work through seemingly ordinary acts of obedience.
Comparison Will Keep You Stuck
Another obstacle many women face is comparison. It’s easy to look at someone else’s gifts, calling, influence, family, ministry, or opportunities and wonder why our lives don’t look the same. But God never asked us to be someone else. Laura shared the example of Mary and Martha—two women who served Jesus in very different ways. Martha excelled at hospitality. Mary excelled at learning and sitting at Jesus’ feet. Both were valuable. Both were loved. The same is true today. God uniquely created you with gifts, passions, experiences, and opportunities that no one else possesses. When we spend our energy comparing ourselves to others, we often miss the specific work God has prepared for us to do. Your calling doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be significant.
The First Step Matters
Many women know what God is asking them to do. The challenge is taking action. Maybe your next step isn’t huge. Perhaps it’s sending an email. Making a phone call. Signing up for a class. Starting a Bible study. Having coffee with a friend. Opening your Bible again. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is obedience. As we take one faithful step at a time, God continues to provide wisdom, strength, and courage for the next one.
A Mighty God Changes Everything
At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful truth: We can be brave women because we serve a mighty God. The God who parted the Red Sea. The God who raised Jesus from the dead. The God who created galaxies, sunsets, mountains, and oceans. The God who knows every hair on your head and calls you His beloved daughter. He is with you. He is for you. And He will equip you for whatever He calls you to do. You don’t need to have all the answers today. You don’t need to know how the entire story will unfold. You simply need to trust the One who does.

Connect with Laura L. Smith
Learn more about Laura and her ministry at:
https://www.laurasmithauthor.com
Follow Laura on Instagram:
@laurasmithauthor
Purchase Brave Women, Mighty God
Connect with Rachael Adams
Website:
https://rachaelkadams.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor
Listen to The Love Offering Podcast wherever you enjoy podcasts.
Friend, what brave step might God be asking you to take today? Trust Him with the next step and watch what He can do.




