Most leaders don’t fail because they lack intelligence or skill. They fail because they avoid discomfort, leading to missed opportunities and stalled growth for their teams and organizations.
Author Jill Schulman calls this “The Bravery Gap”—that space between knowing the right thing to do and actually doing it.
You’ve seen it.
A manager avoids giving tough feedback.
A team stays silent even though the decision feels wrong.
An executive delays a bold move because “the timing isn’t right.”
These may seem small in the moment, but the costs add up—stalled growth, missed opportunities, and cultures where people tiptoe instead of thrive. The bravery gap isn’t about not knowing; it’s about not acting. And every time a leader chooses comfort over courage, the gap widens.
As Christian leaders, we face the same tension—but we have access to a source of strength that goes beyond self-help or leadership psychology. We can bring faith and prayer into the equation, reinforcing our belief in God’s guidance and support. Let’s look at Schulman’s four steps for closing the bravery gap—and then add a fifth, the one that makes all the difference.
1. Name It — Be Honest Before God
The first step is awareness. Ask yourself: Where am I avoiding discomfort? Is it a hard conversation? A truth you don’t want to face? A risk you keep deferring?
As Jill notes, naming our fears brings them into the light. For believers, it’s not just self-awareness—it’s spiritual awareness, a deep understanding of our fears in the context of our faith and relationship with God.
King David prayed,
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
— Psalm 139:23 (NIV)
When we invite God to reveal what’s really going on inside us, He gently shows where fear or pride has taken root. Naming it before God is the first step toward freedom and courage.
2. Identify the Cost of Inaction — Count the Spiritual Cost
Schulman encourages leaders to ask, What’s the cost of not acting? What happens if I stay comfortable and silent?
For followers of Christ, every decision carries eternal weight. The cost of inaction may be a missed opportunity to influence others for the Kingdom—or to demonstrate integrity in a world that desperately needs it.
James reminds us,
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
— James 4:17 (NIV)
That’s a sobering thought. The bravery gap isn’t neutral—it has a cost. When we fail to act on what we know is right, we not only stall our leadership; we grieve the Spirit who calls us to obedience.
3. Embrace the Discomfort — Trust God in the Stretch
In the Marine Corps they say, “Embrace the suck.” In other words, lean into the discomfort rather than running from it. Schulman points out that discomfort isn’t danger—it’s a sign you’re about to grow.
Scripture echoes this truth:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
— James 1:2–3 (NIV)
Faith-filled leaders understand that God uses seasons of discomfort to refine us. Moses had to face Pharaoh. Esther had to approach the king. Peter had to preach to those who once mocked him. Courage grew in the crucible of discomfort.
Leaders who avoid the stretch never develop the spiritual muscle to handle greater assignments. But those who embrace it grow strong in faith and character.
4. Do It Scared — Step Forward in Faith
Bravery doesn’t demand a giant leap—it asks for a single step. Jill writes, “Each small act shrinks the gap.”
That’s exactly what God told Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Esther did it scared. So did Gideon. So did Peter. Courage rarely feels comfortable; it’s often trembling obedience. But every step taken in faith narrows the gap between knowing and doing—and brings God’s power into play.
5. Pray Through the Gap — Seek God’s Strength
Here’s where faith turns bravery into spiritual leadership.
Before you act—pray.
While you act—depend on God.
After you act—thank Him for the outcome.
Prayer transforms courage from a human effort into a divine partnership. When Paul reminded Timothy to stand firm, he wrote:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
When leaders pray through their fear, the Holy Spirit fills the bravery gap with supernatural strength. You stop striving and start trusting. You act boldly because you know who stands beside you.
Biblical Examples of Closing (and Missing) the Bravery Gap
- Moses hesitated at the burning bush, afraid he wasn’t enough—but obeyed anyway and became Israel’s deliverer.
- Gideon demanded signs before trusting God—but once convinced, led 300 men to victory.
- Esther risked her life for her people—closing the bravery gap with one courageous statement: “If I perish, I perish.”
- Peter denied Christ out of fear—but later preached boldly to thousands.
- Pilate, by contrast, knew the right thing but yielded to pressure, forever remembered as the man who washed his hands instead of taking a stand.
Each of these leaders faced a decision between comfort and courage. The difference wasn’t knowledge—it was obedience to God’s call.
Closing Thought
Jill Schulman wisely wrote, “Great leaders don’t avoid fear. They choose courage in the face of it.”
As Christian leaders, our courage isn’t self-generated—it’s Spirit-empowered. When we bring prayer into the process, the bravery gap becomes a faith gap that God Himself bridges.
So name your fear. Count the cost. Embrace the stretch. Step forward—even scared—and pray all the way through. The God who called you will give you everything you need to lead with boldness, faith, and grace.
Action Steps for Leaders
Courage in leadership doesn’t just happen; it’s cultivated through practice and prayer. Here’s how you can begin:
- Ask God to Reveal Where You’re Hesitating.
Invite Him to search your heart for areas where fear or comfort is holding you back. - List the Cost of Inaction.
Consider what’s at stake—spiritually, relationally, and organizationally—if you stay silent or stall. - Reframe Discomfort as Growth.
When things feel hard, remind yourself: God is stretching me, not punishing me. - Take One Brave Step Today.
Make the call, start the conversation, or make the decision you’ve been putting off. - Pray for Courage Daily.
Begin each day asking God for the boldness of Joshua and the faith of Esther.
Discussion Questions
- Where do you sense a “bravery gap” in your leadership right now?
- What fears most often hold you back from acting on what you know is right?
- How has God used discomfort in the past to strengthen your faith or leadership?
- Which Biblical leader’s example encourages you to step forward in faith?
- How could you model courageous faith to your team or organization this week?
More Articles
I have written several articles on Courage/Risk-Taking. You can find them by typing “Courage/Risk-Taking” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are several of my favorites.
- #657: 4 Leadership Lessons from Joshua: Be Strong and Courageous in the Face of Challenge
- #650: He Makes Brave Those He Calls: Faith and Courage in the Workplace
- #615: 5 Leadership Lessons from Jehosheba: A Legacy Hidden in Plain Sight
- #610: Conquering Fear: Lessons from 4 Biblical Leaders on Trusting in God
- #609: 6 Steps to Boldly Live Out the Gospel as a Workplace Leader
Join the Conversation
As always, we welcome questions and comments. Which of the four close the bravery gap steps is most difficult for you? Why?
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Category: Personal Development | Courage/Risk-Taking
Embracing discomfort is key to so many things, from leadership to exercise to relationship challenges. I tried to grab the bull by the horns at work. If there was a difficult conversation to have, I didn’t procrastinate. And I got to the point, but always ended with something positive.
Not procrastinating is key to so many things in life! I love a line from an old friend, “If you have a lot of frogs to swallow, swallow the biggest one first!” Everything gets easier when you get rid of the biggest frog.