Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef
June 12, 2026
The Rope of Life
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
An ancient monastery sits on top of a cliff in the beautiful countryside of Portugal. Visitors to this lofty retreat are rewarded with a magnificent view. However, the only way to reach the monastery is by being hoisted up a cliff in a wicker basket by an aged monk.
One day, as a visitor prepared to leave, he turned to his guide and asked nervously, “How often do you replace this rope?” The gray-haired monk chimed, “Each time the old rope breaks.”
Such a response would certainly be cause for concern, raising our anxiety. Anxiety like this—fear, doubt, and worry—can paralyze us. We may mistakenly think only non-believers live in fear of the bottom dropping out. However, many Christians are living the same way.
Here is the wondrous Truth of God: He holds the rope of our lives within His infinite, loving grasp. Nothing is strong enough to remove His shelter of protection from our lives. He knows our every move, and He is constantly aware of our deepest needs. Indeed, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35, 37).
Jesus reminds us that not even one sparrow falls to the ground apart from God’s knowledge and will. “[E]ven the very hairs of your head are all numbered,” says Jesus. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:30-31).
The next time you sense your anxiety level rising, stop and remember that God is aware of you. He loves you, and nothing can change this. You can trust Him fully. He holds you in His sovereign, loving hand. He has a powerful purpose for your life for both your blessing and the blessing of others as you seek first His Kingdom and trust Him with your days (see Psalm 90:12).
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have a wonderful plan for all my days. I lay my fear and anxiety down before You and receive Your peace today. May I serve Your Kingdom purposes with my every breath and know the joy of living for You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“[D]o not worry about your life, . . . Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Psalms of Deliverance: LISTEN NOW
Want more devotionals from Leading The Way? Sign up for MY Devotional and have a devotional delivered directly to your inbox daily!
PARTNER WITH US
We are Leading The Way for people living in spiritual darkness, at home and around the world, to discover the light of Christ as we passionately proclaim uncompromising Truth. Visit us today at ltw.org.
Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
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.
Contact Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef
webmail@LTW.org
http://www.ltw.org
Leading The Way
P.O. Box 20100
(404) 841-0100
Toll-free line
(800) 337-5323