Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef
January 12, 2026
Faith in the Midst of Hardship
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read Psalm 129:1-8.
While most nations would look back on their history and brag about their achievements, in Psalm 129, Israel reflects on all that they had to survive. “‘They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,’ let Israel say; ‘they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, . . .’” (Psalm 129:1-2). Israel became a nation while in slavery in Egypt. That was the oppression of her youth. Then, God sent Moses to be their deliverer, and eventually Israel made it to the Promised Land. But that wasn’t the end of their trouble. It seems there has always been someone attacking or subjugating the people of God. However, the Lord always defends His people, as the rest of verse 2 concludes: “. . . but they have not gained the victory over me.” God is faithful, and He will have the victory.
You and I can have hope in times of trouble precisely because we know God will ultimately deliver us to glory. He will bring justice where only persecution exists. He will bring freedom where oppression currently reigns. He will not let the innocent suffer forever, nor will He let the guilty go unpunished. And we can pray to that end—just as in this imprecatory psalm, God’s people pray against their enemies (see vv. 5-8). Likewise, we pray that the wicked will not prosper in their wickedness, and we trust that because God rescued Israel time and again, in Christ, we too will have the victory over Satan and his schemes. With the psalmist we can proclaim, “But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked” (v. 4).
Because Christ has set us free, we can pray for our enemies as Jesus commanded us (see Matthew 5:44), specifically that they would repent and turn wholeheartedly to the Lord. We can experience peace even when we are wronged, trusting that God will avenge with perfect justice (see Romans 12:19). Finally, we can be emboldened to stand strong when the world tells us to wink at evil, for we know that it is never loving to condone sin.
Prayer: Father, Your faithfulness is clear as I look at the story of Your people recorded in Scripture and history, culminating in the coming of the promised Savior—the Light of the World. As I face trials and even hostility for my faith in You, may I be bold to stand against evil and loving to pray for the salvation and repentance of the wicked. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked” (Psalm 129:4).
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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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