Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef
December 4, 2025
True Power Through Trusting God
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:9.
At the time of the birth of Jesus Christ, Caesar Augustus reigned supreme over the Roman Empire (see Luke 2:1-7). The lives of Caesar and Jesus at this point in history could not have been more different. Caesar was at the height of his power; Jesus was in the depths of helplessness. Caesar slept in a golden bed on fine linen sheets; Jesus lay in an animal’s feeding trough wrapped in rags.
Yet, even then, who was the one with the greater power? As a baby, Jesus was fully divine, “sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus willingly chose to descend from heaven and take on humanity so that He might die on a cross for our sin. He—who was infinitely richer than Caesar—became poor so that we, through His poverty, might become rich (see 2 Corinthians 8:9).
In the days of His earthly ministry, Jesus had nowhere to sleep so that sinners like us might become heirs with Him of the entire universe. Therefore, do not be so easily impressed by people who now enjoy earthly power, fame, money, and beauty, and do not be consumed with longing for these things. Remember: The road to greatness is through humility—and trusting your Lord will bring the greatest reward.
Prayer: Lord, help me to humble myself before You. By Your Spirit may I trust in Your promises and experience even today the majestic reward of a relationship with You, whatever my earthly circumstances. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon The Paradox of Christmas: LISTEN NOW | WATCH 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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