My son has been wanting to go to a youth group for a couple of weeks now…but every time he has plans to go, something always falls through. Either his friends have conflicts or they back out at the last minute, leaving him with no one to go with.

Finally, on Sunday night, I said, “I don’t think you’re going to find anyone to go with. You should just go by yourself.”

The look on his face said it all. He immediately started arguing, rattling off excuses. He told me how scary it felt to walk into a new place alone, to meet new people, to not know what to expect. I could empathize—those feelings are so real, the fear that tries to paralyze you before you even begin.

I encouraged him:

“Go scared. Fear is a liar. I promise you, when you get home tonight, you’ll see how fear lied to you.”

While he was at youth group, I prayed. I prayed that God would show my son that when we step out in faith—especially when we are terrified—He shows up. I prayed that my son would experience firsthand how the Lord provides exactly what we need in those uncertain or scary moments.

The truth is, I’m in the same boat as my son. I’m preparing to give a speech in November, and I’m scared. I hate the emotions that come when we step out to do something hard. I hate the doubt that creeps in—the lies, the insecurities. They can feel completely debilitating.

When my son told me I didn’t know what I was talking about when I encouraged him to “go scared,” I reminded him, “I’m speaking in front of a ton of people soon—by myself on stage and I’m terrified .” His response? Crickets.

I told him, “Those feelings you’re having — the fear, the what-ifs — they’re not a reason to stop. They’re often the very sign you’re stepping into something important. Fear wants to keep us from seeing what God can do in and through us.”

It’s in those moments when we step out that we get to see God’s power in ways we never would if we stayed safe — His strength in our weakness, His peace in the middle of the storm, His guidance in our uncertainty, and His joy replacing our fear. These are the quiet, steady ways God shows up. It’s not always a dramatic miracle; often, it’s the peace, strength, and joy that come as we walk with Him, one step at a time.

That’s why I told my son, “Step out and give it a try. I bet you’ll see God show up.”

…..And He did.

God provided, and my son didn’t just like youth group—he absolutely loved it. His excitement afterward, the joy on his face, and the way he talked a mile a minute were proof enough that God had provided exactly what he needed.

Faith and trust in the Lord are forged in the fire. You can’t manufacture them—they’re not something you can just decide to have. They’re something God builds in us when we step out into the unknown, when we say yes to what feels too big for us, when we face what terrifies us and choose to do it anyway.

It’s in those moments—when we’re at the end of ourselves, unsure and afraid—that we get to watch the Lord show up. And it never gets old. Every single time, it leaves me in awe of Him.

It’s only because I’ve experienced God meeting me in those moments—showing up in ways I couldn’t explain, transforming my heart and mind, equipping me to do what once felt impossible—that I truly began to believe. My faith isn’t built on theory; it’s built on the living reality of a God who has proven Himself faithful over and over again. I’ve seen Him show up in big ways, and that reality never stops leaving me amazed. Each time He shows up, I’m reminded that He is who He says He is, and that His promises are real.

Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”