For decades, Noah followed God’s command to build the ark. This boat was no small project—it was longer than a football field, was four stories tall, and contained multiple decks. Noah must have been perplexed at the thought of building a large boat in the middle of a land-locked region. For more than one hundred years he experienced scorn and mocking from neighbors who thought he was insane and delusional. Noah must have spent countless hours and resources in building the ark year after year. Yet he continued to follow God’s plan.

Noah had no ship-building experience. He was not a mariner or even a coastland dweller. Noah seemed the least qualified to build the ark; yet God chose Him, not because God was looking for an expert craftsman but because He wanted someone faithful and obedient. The Scripture describes Noah as “a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God” (Genesis 6:9). God was less concerned with skill and more concerned with obedience.

Today, God is still calling those of us who will act in faith and bring glory to His Kingdom, even if we feel unqualified for the job. Whenever God calls us to a task, He will equip us and empower us to complete that task. God did not give Noah the ark project without any aid. Though Noah had no ship-building experience, God gave him the necessary instructions (see Genesis 6:14-16). Many experts consider the ark the most stable ship in all of history.

When God gives us a plan, He will only give us the best plans that lead to the greatest glory for Him. God may be calling you to a task that seems insurmountable. You may feel like Noah—trying to build an ark in the middle of the desert with no ship-building experience and little support from others. If God has directed you toward a certain project or action, you can trust that God will give you everything you need to complete the task.

Prayer: God, I don’t feel qualified for the work to which You have called me, but I am trusting that You will provide everything I need. Help me to have the heart of a willing servant. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon They Were Just Like Us, Part 4: LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

Tentang Penulis

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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