By :Amplify Ministries
Have you ever felt a pull on your heart to step out in faith and do something that God is asking you to do, only to find yourself hesitating, paralyzed by the question, "But what if?" You’re not alone. Three Simple Words, so much complexity. For many believers, the fear of the unknown and the weight of “what if” questions can hold us back from fully surrendering to God’s plans. We know the power of the Gospel and the greatness of God's call, but our “humanness” can cause us to hesitate.
Let’s talk about some of the common reasons why people might be held back from pursuing God's will and from boldly sharing the Gospel of Jesus. Our prayer is that this will encourage you to take the step of faith you have been on the verge of taking, and trust that God will be with you , and ahead of you in anything He has called you to do!
1. Fear of Failure
The thought of “What if I fail?” can be overwhelming. Whether it's the fear of falling short in our abilities or not living up to others' expectations, this question can paralyze us. But Scripture reminds us that God equips those He calls (Hebrews 13:20-21). It’s not about our strength or expertise, but about God working through us. In fact, embracing weakness allows God’s strength to shine (2 Corinthians 12:9). Allowing God to shine through our inability is a direct representation of His amazing character and goodness to people around us. We don’t have to pretend to everyone around us that we can do something. We just have to trust that God is bigger than our inability!
2. Fear of Rejection
Another "what if" is the fear of rejection—whether from friends, family, or even strangers. “What if they don’t accept me? What if they ridicule me for sharing my faith?” These concerns are real, but Jesus Himself warned us that following Him would come with challenges (John 15:18-19). Sharing the Gospel may lead to rejection, but it is a reminder that the message of Christ is meant to be shared boldly, even when it’s not received by everyone.
3. Insecurity in Our Knowledge
Many hesitate to share their faith because they feel inadequate or unprepared. “What if I don’t know enough? What if they ask a question I can’t answer?” While we should be spending time studying the word on a daily basis, we will never have all the answers! But God doesn’t require us to have all the answers. He simply asks us to be obedient and trust Him to guide the conversation. The Holy Spirit is our helper, giving us the words to say when we need them (Luke 12:11-12).
4. Comfort in the Status Quo
Sometimes, the “what if” question isn’t about fear, but about comfort. “What if God’s plan disrupts my life? What if I have to give up what I enjoy?” When we cling to our comfort zones, we miss out on the abundant life God has prepared for us. Following Jesus often means sacrifice, but the reward far outweighs the cost (Matthew 16:24-25).
5. Doubts About Our Calling
Doubt can cloud our understanding of God’s will. “What if I’m not really called to do this? What if I heard God wrong?” But God is not the author of confusion. He promises to guide us when we seek Him earnestly (Proverbs 3:5-6). When we align our hearts with His, He will make our steps clear.
6. Lack of Immediate Results
“What if nothing happens when I share the Gospel?” This question can discourage us from evangelism. We may not see instant transformation in the lives of those we reach out to, but God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). It is not our job to change hearts—that's God’s role. We are simply called to plant the seed.
7. Fear of the Unknown
Perhaps the biggest “what if” is the fear of the unknown. “What if I leave everything behind and it doesn’t work out? What if this path leads to hardship?” The future is uncertain, but our fait
h is in a God who holds the future. He is faithful, and when we step into the unknown with Him, we can trust that He is already there.
The truth is, the "what if" questions will never go away.
However, we have a choice: to let them hold us back, or to press forward, trusting God with every unknown. He has a plan for your life, a calling that only you can fulfill. Don’t let fear keep you from pursuing His will. And don’t let hesitation stop you from sharing the life-changing Gospel of Jesus. The world is in desperate need of the hope that only Christ can offer.
Whenever you feel doubt creeping in, remember the words of 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Lean into that power. Boldly pursue His will, knowing that He goes before you, and take every opportunity to share the Gospel, trusting that God will use your obedience to change lives.
So, the next time you hear that “But what if” voice whispering in your mind, respond with, "But what if God does something amazing through me?" Then, step out in faith and see what He can do.
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