As we read yesterday, Abraham did finally obey God and made it to Canaan. But Abraham’s obedience did not mean that his life would suddenly become easy. When he arrived in the land God showed him, he found the Canaanites there. After such a long journey, Abraham’s faith was about to be tested.

 

We can become easily discouraged when our obedient choices lead to difficulties and adversities. God never promised an easy life. When we obey Him, we will experience His blessings and peace, but that does not mean an easy road.

 

Abraham may not have understood the fullness of God’s plan; still, he worshiped God by building an altar. In our walk of faith, we may face trials that baffle us. We may question unexpected events. But in the middle of it all, God wants our obedience and praise. The last thing God wants us to do is to give up when things don’t make sense to our human understanding.

 

Have you given up on God’s plan because you’re facing difficulties in the midst of it? Remember His faithfulness and love, and trust Him again today.

 

Prayer: God, I sometimes become discouraged when my faith is tested and things don’t go the way I expect. Thank You for the example of Abraham, who worshiped You in the midst of difficulties. Help me persevere through trials. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

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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