Pray in God’s Power

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

In order to allow faith to overwhelm our fears, we must entrust our worries and anxieties to God, for He is faithful and able. Here are some practical ways to do that.

First, we must learn how to pray fear out and faith in. Instead of burying your worries, acknowledge them before God in prayer. Bring them to the foot of the cross—and then leave them there. Our prayers for fear-conquering faith are prayers that God not only longs to hear but loves to answer.

Once you have confessed your fears out, begin to pray faith in. Look to God’s Word and incorporate His promises into your prayers. Draw strength from God’s promises as Abraham did: “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:20-21). This is our first step in building those faith muscles.

Second, call upon God’s power in your life.  In Jesus’ earthly ministry, He demonstrated God’s power to redeem us from our sins, to heal diseases, and to still the storms in our lives. God wants to show us that same power today.

Sometimes God waits until we run out of all human solutions before He manifests His power for us. That’s because He wants us to learn that His grace is sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Other times, God is simply waiting for us to take the first step of faith before He responds to our request.

There are people who don't have any cause for fear, and yet they are fearful. Then there are people who have every reason to fear, but they are not afraid. The difference between the two is a complete trust in the Lord Jesus. Just as saving faith enables us to receive Christ as our Savior, so daily faith enables us to know Christ as our Lord.

Do you find yourself living out of your own finite strength or God’s infinite power? Pray your fears out and pray faith in. Begin to see God as the one who is greater than any problem you face, and you will find confidence and courage. The power of God that sustains the universe—every atom, every galaxy, and every star in its orbit—that’s the very power that Jesus offers His children today.

Prayer: God, I bring my fears to the foot of the cross today and exchange them for Your promises. Where I feel powerless, I ask for Your power to overcome my situation. Show me which step of faith You want me to take today and help me to take the opportunity immediately when it comes. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Freedom from Fear: 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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