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233. What if This Is Your Moment to Step Forward?

The story to encourage you to trust God more than your fear.

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20 min / Published

After realizing we are seen by God, something else often begins to stir—the sense that maybe we’re here for a reason. In this episode, Julie shares the story of Esther, a woman who didn’t feel brave or ready, but stepped forward because the moment mattered. If you’ve ever felt the tension between staying safe and stepping out, this episode will encourage you to trust God more than your fear and believe that maybe—just maybe—this is your moment too. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 20 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/.

  • encouragement
  • women
  • trust God
  • abundant life
  • Esther
  • Stories I Come Back To
  • real life
  • Christian
  • Christian woman
  • Bible
  • courage
Show notes

In this episode Julie continues her January series, Stories I Come Back To, by building on last week’s theme of being seen by God. After we realize that God sees us, something else often begins to stir. We become aware that maybe we’re not just seen… maybe we’re here for a reason.

Julie shares the story of Esther, a woman who didn’t ask for influence, didn’t feel brave, and didn’t step forward because she was confident. Esther became queen of Persia without choosing that role. When a decree threatened the lives of her people, she faced a painful tension: stay silent and safe, or speak up and risk everything.

Julie connects Esther’s story to our own lives. Most of us don’t feel ready, qualified, or brave. But God often positions us long before we feel prepared. The real question isn’t always “Am I ready?”—it’s “Am I willing?”

She shares how God met her after she said yes to starting her podcast and writing her first book—not before. These are what she calls “Esther moments” These moments rarely feel convenient. They feel heavy, uncomfortable, and bigger than us—because they require God to do what we cannot.

Courage doesn’t mean you’re fearless. It means you trust God more than your fear. And maybe, right here, right now, this is your moment to step forward.

Abundant Life Mentoring
If this episode stirred something in you—if you’re sensing a nudge but don’t know how to move forward—Abundant Life Mentoring is a space to slow down, pray, and discern your next steps with God. This isn’t about fixing your life or having all the answers. It’s about walking with Jesus right where you are and taking intentional steps forward.

For a limited time this January, when you schedule a mentoring session, you’ll also receive a copy of one of Julie’s books—Right Now Matters or Right Now Matters Bible Study—to support the work you begin together.

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Encouragement for Real Life
A podcast by Julie Lefebure
The place to find real encouragement for your real life right now.
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