Read Romans 1:8-15.

The second reason Paul could live unashamed of the Gospel was because he knew God’s vision for his life. Today, the average person simply exists, living a shallow life that is focused only on his own day-to-day needs. In contrast, Paul had a clear purpose from God, and he knew it would lead him to preach the Gospel in Rome (v. 15).

Paul trusted that this was God’s vision for him, even though it took much longer than he expected to see this calling fulfilled. He was forced to make many detours—imprisonment, shipwrecks, beatings—yet he trusted God. And we know that he did see this vision fulfilled (see Acts 28:11-30).

Jesus Christ did not give us salvation so that we could simply sit in a pew for the rest of our lives. He wants us to pass on the gift of salvation to others—spending our lives in service to Him in unique ways. One thing remains true for us all: God calls us to make it possible for others to hear and respond to the Gospel.

What is God’s vision for your life? If you ask Him, He will show you how you can make a difference for His Kingdom. Get away to a quiet place and be still in His presence long enough for Him to communicate with you. Then, like Paul, trust God to bring His vision to life. Do not despair when detours come; be encouraged. Any true calling must endure intense opposition.

What is one way you can take a step of obedience toward God’s vision for your life?

Prayer: Lord, will You show me Your vision for my life? Grant me an obedient heart to follow Your will. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome” (Romans 1:14-15).

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.



Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.