Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence for the Christian Business Owner
The first time I ran a Facebook ad for my business, I was blindsided by the experience. My page covers topics close to my heart: faith, entrepreneurship, and life. But instead of encouragement, I received a few hateful comments that hit me hard.
Even though they were a tiny minority—less than 1%—those negative words felt like the only thing that mattered. It shook me to the core and made me want to pull back, doubting not just my business but also whether I should openly share my faith.
Sound familiar? If you’ve ever felt the sting of criticism or the weight of fear in your business, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: fear doesn’t have to hold you back.
The Reality of Fear in Business
Fear shows up in different ways for business owners:
- Doubting your abilities and comparing yourself to others.
- Fearing rejection when promoting your products or services.
- Worrying about making enough sales—or too many sales and not being able to keep up.
- Feeling paralysed by the fear of failure or looking foolish.
These feelings can undermine your confidence and keep you from taking action. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to face them alone, and you don’t have to let them win.
The Challenge to Choose Faith Over Fear
In my 14 years of working online, I’ve learned that fear often sneaks in where we feel weakest. It’s the voice that says, “What if I’m not good enough?” or “What if nobody cares?”
I’ve experienced it all—hesitating to go live on social media, dreading customer complaints, and even sabotaging my success by holding back. But over time, I’ve realised that the best way to overcome fear is to choose faith and take action, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Fear thrives when we focus on ourselves—our performance, our image, our perceived failures. But faith shifts the focus back to God and His promises.
How to Overcome Fear and Build Confidence
Here are some practical strategies to help you overcome fear and step into your calling as a Christian business owner:
1. Focus on Service, Not Perfection
Fear often whispers, “What will people think of me?” But when you shift your focus to serving others, those doubts lose their power. Ask yourself: How can I help my customers today? How can I make their lives better?
When you prioritise serving, you’ll find that fear fades and confidence grows.
2. Take Small, Bold Steps
Confidence doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect moment—it comes from taking action. Start small:
- Post that social media update.
- Send that email.
- Share your offer, even if it feels scary.
Each step builds momentum and strengthens your faith muscles.
3. Reframe Setbacks as Growth Opportunities
Not everything you do will work—and that’s okay. Mistakes and failures aren’t the end; they’re part of the learning process.
Ask yourself: What can I learn from this? How can I grow through this experience?
Remember, even setbacks can be used for good when you trust God to guide you.
4. Surround Yourself with Encouragement
Running a business can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Build a support network of faith-filled mentors, friends, or a coach who can:
- Offer wisdom and perspective.
- Pray with you and encourage you to keep going.
- Hold you accountable to your goals.
Proverbs 27:17 reminds us: “Iron sharpens iron.” Surround yourself with people who lift you up and challenge you to grow.
5. Pray with Authority Over Fear
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools you have as a Christian business owner. When fear arises, proclaim God’s promises over your life and business:
- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
- “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
Speak these truths out loud, and remind yourself that God is with you every step of the way.
6. Invest in Personal and Professional Growth
Success in business requires both spiritual and practical preparation.
- Seek Training: Take courses, read books, or attend workshops to improve your skills and knowledge.
- Work with a Coach: A coach can help you clarify your vision, overcome challenges, and stay focused on what matters most.
When you commit to growth, you position yourself to thrive both personally and professionally.
Faith in Action: The Key to Confidence
Fear isn’t something you “fix” once and for all—it’s a challenge you learn to face with faith. Confidence grows as you trust God, take bold steps, and see His faithfulness in your life and business.
Remember: It’s not about your performance—it’s about your obedience. When you do your best and trust God with the rest, He will guide and provide for you.
Your Next Steps
If fear has been holding you back, take the first step today:
- Reflect on the fears that are keeping you stuck.
- Pray for wisdom, courage, and guidance.
- Take one bold action that aligns with your calling.
For more practical tools and encouragement, join Inbox Inspiration for Insiders to receive faith-based tips and insights to help you overcome challenges and grow your business.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Apply for a breakthrough coaching session, and let’s create a plan to help you succeed with confidence and faith.