September 1, 2026 Devo

As God calls Ezekiel to do His work, He warns him about who his greatest enemy will be: Fear. He tells Ezekiel not to be afraid of what people are going to say. He encourages him not to be afraid of their threats. He prepares him for the fact that he is likely going to be rejected, but he’s not to be afraid of that either. God promises to be with him and to see him through. Success will be simply completing the task as God has assigned it, not how the people respond. The only thing that can stop him is fear.
Fear robs so many of us of the calling of God. We’re afraid we’ll fail. We’re afraid that people won’t like us. We’re afraid we’re not smart enough, educated enough, or experienced enough. We’re afraid of rejection. We’re afraid of criticism. We’re afraid people won’t like how we do it. There is something strong in our human nature that wants assurance that we’ll be affirmed, liked, and experience profound results. The fear of NOT receiving those keeps most of us from stepping up and stepping out.
Do a study sometime of how many times the phrase, “Don’t be afraid,” or the positive spin on that, “Be courageous,” is used in scripture. Abraham would have never left his home if he let fear control him. Moses and the people would never have left Egypt. Joshua and the people would never have gone into the promised land. Joseph, David, Daniel, Gideon, Peter, Paul, and every other character in Scripture would have stayed home if they let the Fear Bandit rob them. And history would have been very different.
God is calling many of us to roles, tasks, and assignments, and we’re balking because of fear. I want to challenge us today to obey the voice of God rather than the voice of fear. Let’s stop hiding behind the “There’s somebody better,” or “I’m not qualified,” or “I don’t know if I have the time,” excuses that fear is drumming up for us. What God may be calling us to might not be easy. It might not go as we want it to. And yes, not everyone will like us. But if God is nudging us, He has a reason. Let’s not let fear steal one more blessing from our lives. That’s God’s Word for you today.