When the Holy Spirit Calls: Overcoming Doubt, Fear, and Insecurity

Have you ever felt that gentle nudge in your heart—the Holy Spirit calling you to do something for His Kingdom? Maybe it’s starting a ministry, reaching out to someone in need, or stepping into a role you never imagined. That stirring is real, but the choice to obey is yours.

If you’ve been hesitant, you’re not alone. Many of us wrestle with doubt, fear, or feelings of inadequacy. Let’s explore common obstacles that can hinder your calling and the truth that sets you free.

1. Sometimes I Believe the Enemy’s Lies
Satan prowls like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). His strategy hasn’t changed since the Garden of Eden: create doubt, fear, and discouragement.

• Lies sound convincing.
• They make you question God’s plan.
• They whisper that you’re too broken, too unqualified, or too late.
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God’s Word exposes every lie and brings freedom. Don’t believe the enemy, believe God.
 
2. God Can’t Use Me Because of My Past
Albert's childhood was full of tragedy: his father died, his home burned down, and by his teens, he was involved in crime. At twenty-eight, he was sentenced to two life terms without parole.

But God reached Albert in prison through a Kairos ministry weekend. He discovered God’s love and surrendered his life to Christ. Over the next 29 years, Albert mentored others, taught the Bible, and brought hope to countless people behind bars. Eventually, he was released, became an ordained minister, and founded a reentry program to help men returning from prison. In 2024, he even received a full pardon.  Albert’s story reminds us that our past does not define our future.

Your past doesn’t disqualify you—it prepares you. God delights in using the broken, the overlooked, and the unqualified to display His power.

3. I’m Not Qualified
Joanna had no formal training in prayer or ministry. She joined a Bible study in a jail cell, and despite her lack of experience, she started a nightly prayer circle with other women. What began with three women grew into prayer circles in every pod. Lives were transformed, spirits lifted, and God’s power moved in ways Joanna never imagined.

God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. You don’t need to have it all together; you just need to be willing.
 
4. Did I Hear God Right?
Doubt is normal. Gideon questioned God’s call, Jeremiah felt too young, Isaiah doubted his worth, and Paul believed his past disqualified him.

I’ve had my own moments of doubt. When God called me to serve in the county jail, I was terrified. I had no experience, and walking through those heavy doors into a room of inmates felt completely outside my comfort zone.

Later, God nudged me to write a devotional called ,but God. I initially ignored the calling—I had no idea how to write a book, I had even dropped my only journalism class in college—but over time, I listened, researched, and collected stories of inmates’ but God moments: unexpected moments of grace where God stepped in and changed everything. And now I am about to be a published author.

Even when we doubt, God equips us to fulfill His plans.
 
5. Fear is Real—But God is Greater
Fear is a natural emotion. Moses didn’t want to face Pharaoh. Joshua was afraid to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. And I’ve felt fear too—fear of rejection, fear of failure, and fear that God’s calling would disrupt my plans.

Fear becomes a problem only when it stops us from obeying. God calls with His power and presence, not a casual “good luck.” 

When we step forward in obedience, even when we are afraid, His plans consistently surpass what we could have imagined.
 
The Holy Spirit stirs in you for a reason. Don’t let lies, doubt, or fear hold you back. Your obedience may be the But God moment that changes someone’s life—including yours.