Verse of the Day:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Devotion:
Starting something new can be exciting—but also terrifying. Whether it’s stepping into a new season, launching a dream, leaving your comfort zone, or simply obeying God’s call, the unknown can feel paralyzing. Fear whispers, “What if you fail? What if you’re not enough? What if it doesn’t work?”
But here’s the truth: God never calls you to start something without also promising to go with you.
When Joshua took Moses’ place as the leader of Israel, he had big shoes to fill and a daunting mission ahead—conquer the Promised Land. But God didn’t give him a battle plan first. He gave him a promise: “Be strong and courageous… I will be with you wherever you go.”
Starting is hard because it requires faith. You don’t have all the answers. You’re not guaranteed success. But courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward despite it.
If God has placed a vision, calling, or desire in your heart, don’t let fear keep you stuck at the starting line. Begin with what you have. Step out with the strength you’ve been given. The same God who called you will equip you. The same Spirit who led Joshua leads you now.
You might not feel ready—but obedience doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It moves with faith and trusts God to fill in the rest.
Prayer:
Lord, I admit that starting is hard for me. The fear of failure, rejection, and uncertainty often holds me back. But I hear Your Word today reminding me to be strong and courageous, not because I’m confident in myself, but because You are with me. Help me to take the first step, even if it’s small. Remind me that I don’t need to have it all figured out—just to trust You. Fill me with boldness and peace, knowing that if You called me to it, You’ll carry me through it. I place my fears in Your hands and step forward in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What is something God is calling you to start that you’ve been hesitant to begin?
- What fear has been keeping you stuck at the starting line?
- How can you take one courageous step forward today?
Topic: Overcoming Fear