Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef
February 1, 2026
In the Face of Fear
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Have you ever been trapped by fear? When we allow fear to build up and to affect us continuously, we begin losing not only our joy but also our effectiveness in witnessing. Ever-present fear steals our God-given potential. It causes us to keep quiet instead of testifying to God’s salvation. Fear keeps us from reclaiming our workplaces, neighborhoods, and schools for Christ. Fear keeps us from giving generously of ourselves to the work of God. Fear keeps us from telling everyone we know about the one who saved us eternally.
Our only hope against conquering fear is faith. Fear will hold us back, but faith in God will lift us up. We can find comfort in the words of the psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, . . .” (Psalm 46:1-2).
Read Joshua 6. As Joshua faced the fortified walls of Jericho, he must have had his doubts. The people certainly must have asked, “You want us to penetrate the impenetrable—by marching around the city walls once a day in silence and then seven times on the seventh day with trumpets and shouting? What will this accomplish?” But instead of giving in to fear, Joshua responded with unquestioning obedience to God’s battle plan. And that is what faith is all about—obedience, the evidence of trust and faith.
What is your Jericho? What obstacle is hindering you from living boldly for Christ? Today you can begin to exercise complete trust in the presence of God by spending time with your heavenly Father. When you draw near to Him, He’ll direct you and give you confidence and peace for whatever trials come your way.
Prayer: Father, help me not to be trapped by fear. Give me the strength to respond to intimidating situations with unquestioning obedience as I trust in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon You Want Me to Do What?, Part 5: LISTEN NOW
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About Leading The Way
Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through every available form of media, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives around the world.
What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ, including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Dr. Youssef's Biblically-based programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. His books, MY Journal magazine, and daily e-devotionals continue to minister to a global audience. Leading The Way utilizes cutting-edge technology to advance the Gospel. Its solar-powered Navigators are reaching into remote villages, and the ministry's KINGDOM SAT TV channel—launched by Dr. Youssef in 2009—is reaching into the Middle East with programming in English, Arabic, and French. Field Teams follow up with viewers, including those in restricted areas, to lead the lost to Christ, disciple new believers, and support the underground Church.
Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way team are committed to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus with the lost and equipping believers to grow in Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.
About Dr. Michael Youssef
Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground teams. His Biblically-based teaching programs are broadcast more than 18,000 times per week in multiple languages around the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of the AWAKE America prayer movement.
Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds theological degrees from Moore College and Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Life-Changing Prayers, Is the End Near?, How to Read the Bible, Heaven Awaits, and God’s Final Call. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 15 grandchildren.
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