Challenging Ourselves: How Faith and Growth Flourish Beyond Comfort

That quote, “I will try. I will learn. I will grow,” has become a sort of mantra for me.

Every time I read it, it feels like a gentle yet powerful reminder that life isn’t about perfection; it’s about the process of becoming.

It fills me with a sense of peace and optimism, encouraging me to be kinder to myself as I face new challenges. It’s like giving myself permission to be a work in progress, and isn’t that what we all are?

When Fear Pretends to Be Safety

Change can be intimidating, can’t it?

I still remember a few years ago, standing at the edge of a big decision, joking (but not really) that after this one, I was done with new things.

“This is it! No more growth for me!” I laughed.

But fear often disguises itself as “wisdom,” doesn’t it? It whispers things like, stay safe, don’t risk it, you’ve done enough.

And yet, deep down, we know the truth: growth doesn’t live in safety but it thrives in surrender.

Looking back, I can see that every single time I’ve chosen to step into the unknown, that’s where God met me most profoundly.

How Growth Really Works

We love the idea of growth, right? Then we remember what it feels like.

Uncomfortable. Uncertain. Sweaty Palms. Taking bold steps of faith as our legs shake.

What I’ve learned is that every season that’s stretched me has also strengthened me.

Every risk has revealed new courage.
Every challenge has deepened my dependence on God.
Every unfamiliar path has grown something beautiful within me.

When I stepped into life coaching, I felt that old mix of excitement and fear rise again. What if I failed? What if I wasn’t enough?

But instead of running from the fear, I decided to invite it into the process.

And in doing so, I realized fear isn’t a sign you’re doing it wrong; it’s often a sign you’re doing something sacred.

The Faith-Filled Path of Growth

If we look closely, the Bible is full of people who grew through challenge, not around it.

• Moses had to face his fear of inadequacy before leading others.

• Esther stepped into danger before stepping into her destiny.

• Peter had to step out of the boat to learn what faith really felt like.

God doesn’t waste our discomfort (He doesn’t waste anything), He refines us through it.

Here’s What I’ve Learned About Christian Personal Growth

1. You won’t feel ready, and that’s okay!
   Readiness isn’t a prerequisite for obedience. God equips us as we go.

2. Growth and grace go hand in hand.
   The goal isn’t perfection; it’s being open to what God’s teaching you in real time.

3. Small steps still count.
   Growth doesn’t always look like bold leaps. Sometimes it’s simply staying when you want to run, or trying again when you want to quit.

4. Fear doesn’t disqualify faith.
   Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to move forward while holding God’s hand through it.

If You’re Facing Something New…

Maybe you’re starting a business, navigating grief, learning to parent adult children, or simply trying to slow down and be present again.

Whatever your “new thing” looks like, here’s what I want you to remember:

• You don’t have to have it all figured out.

• You don’t need to be fearless, just faithful.

• You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

Each small act of trying, learning, and growing is shaping you into the woman God already sees in full.

Conclusion: The Beauty of Becoming

So here’s to challenging ourselves, not out of pressure, but out of purpose.

Here’s to showing up, even when it’s messy. To trusting God, even when the road is unclear. To choosing growth, one grace-filled step at a time.

Because when we say yes to the process, we say yes to the transformation.

And dear one, that’s where the magic happens!

If this message encouraged you, I’d be honored to walk with you on your own growth journey.

Join my newsletter for weekly encouragement, or explore coaching to start your next step toward faith-filled growth and emotional wholeness.

I’m cheering you on!

Julie