How to Share Faith Confidently Even When Fear Tries to Hold You Back
Can I tell you something? For a long time, the idea of sharing my faith made me nervous, and Finding God in hard times reminds us grace carries us. I know I'm not alone in that; hearing God's voice daily helps me discern when to speak. How many times have you felt the Holy Spirit nudge you to say something about Jesus, but immediately your stomach drops? You start wondering how to share faith confidently, but all you hear is the sound of your own doubts.
Here’s the thing. In our recent podcast episode, we talked about real stories of uncomfortable obedience and what it actually feels like to speak Jesus’ name, especially when it’s not easy. I wanted to bring this conversation to you because I believe so many of us are quietly wrestling with the same fear, and gratitude practices for healing can help.
Why Does the Fear of Sharing Faith Feel So Overwhelming?
I remember sitting in a group of women I admired, knowing I was supposed to say something about my faith journey. And I just froze. My heart raced. I told myself I didn’t want to offend anyone or make things awkward. I wanted Jesus to shine, but I didn’t want to be the one in the spotlight if the crowd wasn’t receptive; building authentic community can help you step forward with support.
If that sounds like you, let’s breathe for a minute; Finding God in hard times reminds us that grace carries us. Fear isn’t a sign that you’re doing faith wrong. It’s actually pretty normal. All those worries about what people think, or what they might say, are just part of being human; spiritual self-care tips for building strength in difficult seasons can help. But you don’t have to stay stuck there; dealing with doubt can help you move forward.
Recognizing the Voices: Flesh vs. Spirit
I’ve learned the hardest thing is knowing the difference between wanting to stay in my comfort zone and the Holy Spirit leading me to speak. My flesh wants comfort, but the Spirit wants obedience. Most of the time, I’m not scared of the message. I’m scared of the reaction. But God hasn’t asked us to focus on the fruit we can see; Deepening relationship with God invites trust. He asks us to trust Him with what we share, even when we don’t know the outcome.
Romans 8:38-39 (CSB) says, "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." That verse reminds me that nothing I say out of love for Christ will ever separate me from His love. That includes the mistakes, the awkward moments, and the times I feel I missed the mark.
Practical Steps for How to Share Faith Confidently
Does this sound familiar? You want to be brave about your faith, but the thought of criticism or “negative comments” stings before you’ve even posted or spoken a word. Here’s what helps me (and what we talked about so honestly on the podcast):
- Pray first, every single time. Ask God for discernment and let Him soften your heart.
- Share from your own experience (not what you wish you could say, but what you know is real).
- Stay gentle. Kindness speaks louder than defensiveness.
- Remember, obeying the Lord sometimes looks like saying the hard thing, but saying it soaked in grace and love.
- Start small. Maybe it’s a comment on a friend’s post, or a quiet conversation over coffee. You don’t have to go viral for it to matter.
And in our discussion, we realized this is not about being perfect or always having the “right” words. Sometimes your voice shakes. Sometimes you wonder if anyone even hears you. But every act of obedience, no matter how small, is significant in the kingdom of God.
Handling Criticism with Grace and Mercy
Yes, it hurts when others criticize. Let’s not sugarcoat it. The fear of comments from people who might misunderstand, judge, or even “come at you” because your faith doesn’t fit in their box is real. But what if every time you received a negative reaction, you paused before you responded? I’ve had to learn to pray instead of retaliate, and to remember that criticism is often more about the person saying it than about me. It’s hard, but showing grace can open doors for healing on both sides.
Truth: You will not always see the fruit of your courage. But your job isn’t to control the fruit. Your role is just to plant the seed, and keep loving people the way Jesus loves us.
What Does Genuine, Confident Faith Sound Like?
How to share faith confidently isn’t about preaching louder or having all the answers. It’s about living so connected to Jesus that even when you’re scared, your love for Him matters more than your comfort.
The Difference Love Makes
Think about the last time someone told you a hard truth out of love. Maybe it stung, but you knew it was for your good. Sharing Jesus is a little like that. When I have hard conversations, I start by remembering the listener’s heart. My words should always point back to hope, not shame. Even when I’m honest, I try to speak with the same gentleness I want others to use with me. And I remind myself: if just one person is moved closer to Christ, it’s worth all the nerves.
On the podcast, we talked about preparing your heart for criticism. I shared my honest struggle with offense. But the more I prayed about it, the more I realized I need to answer harshness with love. Sometimes, our biggest opportunity for witness comes not in the posts we make, but in the way we respond when someone disagrees.
- Pause before you reply to negativity.
- Pray for wisdom and mercy.
- Speak kindly (even when you don’t feel it at first).
Letting Christ’s love shine in those moments tells a louder story than any perfectly-crafted argument.
Letting Go of the Outcome to Share Faith Confidently
Here’s what I keep coming back to. We’re only responsible for obeying God - not for managing what happens after. A wise friend once said, “What if someone is waiting at heaven’s gates and says, I wish you just would have told me?” That image sticks with me. It isn’t about guilt. It’s about perspective. My quick moment of discomfort is nothing compared to someone missing out on Jesus’ love because I held back out of fear.
Faith in Everyday Moments
How to share faith confidently can look like everyday kindness. Praying for a friend. Speaking up when it would be easier to stay quiet. Posting a verse or a testimony, not to show off, but to let others know you believe for them, too.
Even when it feels like no one is watching, someone is. Your step of faith might be the very thing that meets the heart of a woman desperate for hope. Community matters. We do not walk this out alone. If you’re struggling, let your sisters know. Let your church family pray for you. Let God use your story, messy parts and all.
What Scripture Says About Courage in Sharing Our Faith
The Bible is clear about where our confidence should come from. Joshua 1:9 (CSB) says, "Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." When I feel afraid, I hold on to that reminder. I do not have to muster confidence on my own. God goes with me - to the coffee shop, to the kids’ soccer field, to my social media page - everywhere.
Practical Reminders You Can Use Right Now
- Pray before you post or speak
- Ask God to fill you with love for your listener
- Remember who you’re ultimately living for
- Accept that some will misunderstand (and that’s okay)
- Find a trusted friend who will pray with you before and after you share
On the podcast, we both shared how scared we’ve felt. And every single time, God has sent someone who needed that truth in that moment. Sometimes, just one person. Every time, it was worth stepping past the fear.
Why Your Voice Matters for Women Around You
You know, there are so many women watching us. Our daughters, our sisters, the young women in our lives. They need to see us walk in obedience, not because we’re fearless, but because our faith is bigger than our fear. As women, we’re building community. We are shaping the next generation. We set the table for honest questions and real faith.
Let’s be women who choose to share faith confidently - not perfectly, but boldly, with kindness and hope. We get to show the world what Jesus looks like in real life. I promise your courage will never go unseen by God. And maybe it will make all the difference for someone else.
Encouragement to Take the Next Step
My friend, if sharing Jesus feels bigger than you right now, remember you are not alone. We all start somewhere. Start with one honest conversation. One post. One prayer. Jesus will meet you right in that courageous step.
If you want more encouragement on how to share faith confidently, listen to our latest podcast episode, "Uncomfortable Obedience- Sharing Jesus Even When It’s Hard." Let it remind you that you are called, equipped, and never alone in this walk.
Let’s cheer each other on, keep walking in obedience, and never underestimate how God can use your words today.
