Do It Afraid

Written By Badia Weeks

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
— Esther 4:14

We love to celebrate Queen Esther’s bravery.
But we don’t always talk about the fear that came first.

In this Esther Bible study, I’m not just reflecting on her story — I’m inviting you into mine. One that’s been marked by fear, delayed obedience, and finally, surrender.

Esther's Story: Obedience in the Face of Fear

Esther was an unlikely queen.
She was a Jewish orphan, living in exile during the Persian Empire — not wealthy, not popular, not positioned to rise.

But God placed her in a seat of influence for a greater purpose.

“If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance… will arise from another place… And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
— Esther 4:14 (NIV) 🔗 Read on BibleGateway

When Mordecai uncovered a plot to destroy the Jews, Esther was faced with a choice: stay silent, or speak up and risk her life.

Fear Is a Real Part of Obedience

Esther wasn’t fearless — she was faithful.
She didn’t deny her fear. She fasted. She prayed. She chose obedience anyway.

“I will go to the king… and if I perish, I perish.”
— Esther 4:16

That’s what I call biblical courage — the kind that doesn’t erase fear, but refuses to let fear lead.

My Story: Fear Tried to Paralyze My Purpose

Fear has followed me through nearly every chapter of my life — not always loudly, but often just loud enough to make me question myself.

I’ve overcome a lot: seasons of rejection, delay, and deep discouragement.
And if I’m honest, fear has often been the root of it all — not failure, but fear of failure.
Not being overlooked, but fear that I’d never be truly seen.

There was a time when fear nearly convinced me to give up completely.
But the same God who met me in that dark season continues to call me — not because I’m fearless, but because I’m His.

Like Esther, I’ve been in moments where the weight of the assignment felt heavier than my confidence.
But I’ve learned: obedience doesn’t wait for the fear to disappear.

Obedience is saying “yes” even when your voice is shaking.
Because if God placed me here — in this moment, with this voice, with this call — then there’s purpose in it.

This blog. This channel. This life I live?
It’s not curated — it’s surrendered.
And I’m showing up not because I feel qualified — but because I’ve been called for such a time as this.

What Is Fear, Really?

By definition, fear is anxious concern caused by the anticipation or awareness of danger.
But spiritually, fear is often a tactic of the enemy to paralyze your purpose and cause you to abort what God called you to birth.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…”
— 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

God’s love is protective. Not punishing. If He’s calling you to it, He’s not planning to harm you — He’s preparing to build you.

“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”
— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Reminders When You need to Do It Afraid

Here are four truths to hold onto when you're trying to walk in obedience while battling fear:

1. Fear often accompanies biblical courage.

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you.”
— Joshua 1:9 🔗

Fear doesn’t disqualify you — it’s an opportunity to trust God deeper.

2. Fear stems from self-confidence instead of God-confidence.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6 🔗

Fear thrives when we lean on our own strength instead of God's wisdom.

3. God knows your limitations — and still chooses you.

“Now go… I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
— Exodus 4:11–12 🔗

God equips those He calls. If you feel unqualified, you’re in good company.

4. When fear outranks God, it becomes idolatry.

“You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Exodus 20:3 🔗

Letting fear dictate your decisions is choosing your emotions over God’s instruction — and that’s a form of emotional idolatry.

Final Word: For Such a Time As This

What if the position you’re in right now — the opportunity, the room, the influence — was divinely timed?
What if God placed you here for such a time as this?

You don’t need to wait to feel fearless to move forward.
You just need to trust that obedience to God is worth it — even if it’s scary.

Because this isn’t just about courage.
It’s about faith over fear.
It’s about doing it afraid.

Reflection Questions:

  • Where has fear been paralyzing my obedience?

  • What “royal position” has God placed me in that I’ve been minimizing?

  • Am I trusting God's voice or my own understanding?

Keep Growing:

Badia Weeks
Next

When Obedience Becomes Worship