Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef
November 13, 2026
God’s Strategies
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Elijah turned the tide in his nation though he was only one person with limited resources. The widow made a difference by making her last cake for God’s man and not for herself (see 1 Kings 17:13). God puts unique service on the hearts of His people and blesses that obedience as they submit to His sovereign will.
Often, God’s strategies make no sense to us because, unlike Him, we have limited vision. When God took Elijah into the heart of enemy territory, God knew that was the last place King Ahab’s soldiers would look for him. God also knew that going to Zarephath would save Elijah from starvation though common sense said there was famine. More importantly, God showed Elijah that He cared about the Baal-worshiping widow and her family.
God often has multiple objectives as He operates on many fronts simultaneously. If we follow His lead, we will be blessed and may become instruments of blessing for others.
Has God ever prompted you to do something that made no sense at the time but was His sovereign will? Is God asking you now to move out of your comfort zone with people, your career, or your finances? Is He moving your heart to explore new territory in ministry or in your relationship with Him?
You may not understand why God is leading you in a particular direction, but you can trust the one who sees what you cannot. His plans are never limited by your resources or restricted by your understanding. What looks like a small act of obedience may have consequences far beyond what you can imagine. The widow could not see what God would accomplish through her simple act of faith, but God used her obedience to sustain His prophet and display His faithfulness. When you obey His leading, you are placing your life in the hands of the one who knows the beginning from the end. You can trust Him with the results—both for your spiritual growth and for His Kingdom.
Prayer: God, I often do not understand Your ways, but I will obey Your calling because I know that You can see what I can’t. I trust that You will bless me and use me to bless others as I obey You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance” (2 Thessalonians 3:5).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon How God Works, God’s Blessing and Life’s Blasting: LISTEN NOW
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GO DEEPER:
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Dr. Michael Youssef is a pastor, best-selling author, and the founder of Leading The Way, a global ministry reaching millions with the Gospel through television, radio, and digital outreach. Born in Egypt, educated in Australia and the United States, and holding a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology, Dr. Youssef brings a rare global perspective to Biblical teaching. His commitment to exegesis and sound hermeneutics sets his preaching apart, helping readers understand Scripture like never before—whether they are new to the faith or lifelong students of the Bible.
Watch Dr. Youssef’s greatest sermons, explore original Christian podcasts, browse an expansive collection of Biblical content, and submit prayer requests at ltw.org
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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 Rector of 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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