(You can now listen to today’s MY Devotional on Leading The Way’s daily devotional podcast!)

As we look around us, it is painfully obvious that the walls of our culture have crumbled. The walls of the church are in ruins. And the walls of many families are broken down.

At this critical time, God is calling us to be the Nehemiahs of our time—people who will step up and lead in a time that is bereft of leadership.

We are all called to be leaders in some arena of life—whether in the home, on your campus, in your church, in your office, in your ministry, in your military unit, or in your civic organization. God has equipped you with gifts for leadership and serving. As a leader, you must be prepared to spend time alone with God, listening to Him and allowing yourself to be prepared, trained, and commissioned by Him to step out and lead.

Much as Nehemiah surveyed the wreckage of Jerusalem, as we survey the wreckage of our culture, from the shattered gates of our education system to the rubble of moral relativism, it would be easy for us to feel overwhelmed and discouraged by the enormity of the task to rebuild. But like Nehemiah, we serve a God who is greater than all the powers of this world. Let this fact encourage and inform you as you seek to rebuild what God has placed before you.

Nehemiah began to rebuild by exhorting and encouraging the people of Jerusalem. He also identified with the people he would lead. He included himself in the work with the people, saying, “Let us build the wall.” Nehemiah was a leader, not a boss. He did not shout orders from an ivory tower; he got down in the trenches with his people. Like Nehemiah, be ready to serve and work alongside those you lead. God will work through your humility.

Prayer: God, help me to see the ways You would have me lead in the different arenas in which You have placed me. May I lead with humility and rest in You, laying down self to obey Your will. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“‘Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.’ . . . They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work” (Nehemiah 2:17-18).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Rebuilding Our Broken Walls, Part 9: WATCH NOW | LISTEN 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.



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