When the World Rejects You

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

“Stay beside Me; I won’t leave you.” These words were God’s encouragement to Maria when, after a lifetime of searching for Truth, she surrendered her life to Christ.

As her new faith became more evident, Maria faced heartbreaking and terrifying rejection from her Muslim family. Sensing her life was in danger, Maria fled to another country. “Because of Jesus, I have lost my mother,” Maria says. “Because of my love for Jesus, I have been separated from my family.”

Where do you turn when the world rejects you? You turn to God’s Word—and remember His promises.

Read 2 Timothy 1:7-14, 3:12-17. As Paul contemplated his own departure from this world, sitting chained in a Roman dungeon, he wrote to encourage Timothy never to give up.

Probably the same devil that was discouraging Timothy is discouraging you today. But what Paul wanted Timothy to know is that a life enslaved to fear is not God’s desire for his sons and daughters: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). Paul directed Timothy to continue in the Holy Scriptures that prepare the servant of God for every good work (see 2 Timothy 3:14-17). How does God’s Word do this? It leads us to Jesus Christ.

Life is full of troubles, and godly people will always arouse the antagonism of the worldly. But when we are tempted to fear in the face of rejection, we must turn to the Word of God. It gives us comfort and strength. It is a light that keeps us walking with God until we get to the other side of glory.

“Stay beside Me; I won’t leave you.” These words that provided comfort to Maria are for you, too. They are found all over the pages of Scripture (see Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

Are you broken today? The Word of God will bind your broken heart. Are you lonely and hurting? The Word of God will comfort and soothe your wounds. Are you carrying a load of guilt? The Word of God will tell you exactly how to be released and forgiven. Are you sad? The Word of God will give you joy. Are you lost and can’t find the way? The Word of God is a lamp to guide you to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You will never leave nor forsake me. You have adopted me and made me Your own. May I seek comfort from Your very Word in every trial. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Don’t Ever Give Up: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

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.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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