Leap of Faith: Embracing Uncertainty to Fulfill My Purpose
By: Paula Banks
Have you ever felt a calling so strong that it felt like a nudge, yet found yourself paralyzed by fear? I remember that feeling the sense that I was meant to do something more, to follow a path I’d dreamed about for as long as I could remember. But instead of taking that first step, I hesitated, held back by the weight of uncertainty.
Writing has been my passion since childhood. My ultimate dream was to see my books on the shelves of the libraries where I once spent countless hours, lost in stories. But as life unfolded, that dream took a back seat to other roles, being a wife, a mother, a career woman. Though the dream never left my heart, it often felt like wishful thinking, something I’d bring up occasionally in conversation with my husband. Then, one day last year, he looked at me and said, “Are you going to write your book? Because if you don’t, you’re going to regret it.” That was the first time I thought, “Maybe I can do this.” But one thing still stood in my way: fear.
Fear is something we all know well, a shared experience that often stops us from reaching our full potential. But I’ve learned that faith is what bridges the gap between fear and action, and sometimes, all it takes is a single step of faith to set us on the path to fulfilling our purpose.
For months, I prayed, asking God to tell or show me what my purpose was. I felt a restlessness, a desire to do something meaningful, but I needed clarity. I’d always dreamed of writing, of becoming an author, but I was willing to set it aside if that wasn’t what God wanted for me. Then, one morning, as clear as day, I heard a voice say, 'Write a book.'
I knew instantly it was Him. I had been waiting for that kind of confirmation, the unmistakable call I couldn’t ignore. But do you know what my response was? “Who, me? I’m not writing a book.” There it was my answer, and yet fear and self-doubt had me questioning God Himself. That’s what fear will do. It can make you doubt even the clearest directions, pulling you back from the very path meant for you.
After initially ignoring what God told me to do, I believe He used my husband to finally get me off the fence and step out on faith, breaking free from the grip of fear. Having a supportive partner was pivotal in this journey, someone who saw my potential and encouraged me to pursue it wholeheartedly. Alongside his support, prayer became a constant guide, and surrounding myself with positive influences helped shift my mindset from “I can't do it, I'm not good enough” to “I am more than enough; I am capable.” These elements were life-changing, helping me replace doubt with faith and courage, and equipping me to move forward with confidence.
As I continued to move forward, each small step brought unexpected rewards. It wasn’t just about finishing a book; it became about discovering strength I didn’t know I had and seeing the impact my words could have on others. Every time I chose faith over fear, I felt more aligned with my purpose, as though a door was opening where there had once been only walls. The journey wasn’t always easy, but with each page I wrote, I found myself growing, not only as an author but as a person. Taking this leap taught me that when we walk in faith, we often receive gifts far greater than we imagined.
Faith isn’t a one-time action; it’s a practice that grows and evolves over time. Read that again: faith is not a single act—it’s a lifelong journey. I know that for many, it’s challenging to move forward without knowing the outcome or having all the answers. But that’s exactly what faith is: pressing on, trusting that things will work out, even when you can’t see the full picture. This is where leaning into your faith becomes essential. Read scripture, find the words that ground you, and hold on to those mantras that keep you going. One of my favorites is simple but powerful: “Do it scared... but do it.”
Looking back, every step I took on this journey has shown me that following your purpose is rarely straightforward, but it’s always worth it. Embracing faith over fear taught me that sometimes, the greatest act of courage is simply choosing to begin. So, if there’s a dream or calling on your heart, trust that it’s there for a reason. The path may not always be clear, but each step forward brings you closer to something meaningful. Remember, faith doesn’t eliminate fear; it empowers you to keep moving despite it. So, take that first step, lean into the unknown, and believe that you are more capable than you know.
Paula Banks
Award Winning Children's Book Author
Author of Peyton’s Journey and Bright Beginnings Series
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