There was an old farmer who frequently described his Christian experience by saying, “I am not making progress, but I am established.”

One spring day he was hauling some logs, and his wagon wheels sank in mud down to the axle. He tried but could not get the wagon out. Defeated, he sat on top of the logs.

One of his neighbors saw him and said to the farmer, “I see that you are not making much progress, but you must be content because you are well-established.”

Is your testimony like his? Your salvation may be established, but you may be “stuck” and unproductive. You may be a child of God, but is your Christian walk like wheels stuck in mud? You know God and have made Him a part of your life, but are you growing in your personal relationship with Him?

The devil thrives on keeping you from growing in faith, from being productive in your Christianity, from comprehending and applying the Word of God in your daily life.

Satan wants to keep you focused on your problems, pain, and worries. His goal is to prevent the effectiveness of God’s Word in your life. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Satan knows the Word of God has power to change lives, convict of sin, judge and condemn, encourage and strengthen, uplift and uphold, forgive and restore, produce fruit, and, most of all, accomplish God’s purpose. When God’s Word is a significant part of your life, Satan’s mission against you will be destroyed.

Prayer: Father, help me to make Your Word a priority in my life. My desire is to bear fruit, and I know this will only happen when I abide in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7).

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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