Examining What’s in Your Heart

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

Read Habakkuk 3:16-19.

Like the prophet Habakkuk before us, we may want to cry out, “God, evil is thriving, and the wicked are succeeding! How long must we cry out to You for help?”

When we do this, however, we are asking the wrong questions. Instead of questioning God, we ought to be questioning ourselves. We ought to be asking, What is God teaching me? Do I need to repent? Do I need to grow in faith? Is there something I need to do?

You see, instead of blaming God when things look grim, we should be praising Him and examining ourselves. Tough times are an opportunity to look inward and purify our hearts in the power of Christ. This is precisely what Habakkuk discovered.

At first, the prophet said to God, “I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day” (Habakkuk 3:2). He knew of the miracles God had performed throughout Israel’s history. He knew about the parting of the Red Sea, the manna from heaven, and the water from the rock. And he wanted God to perform another miracle for His people—one that would rescue the nation of Judah from all the problems they were experiencing.

The people needed to experience revival. Habakkuk understood this, and he wanted God to bring it. But God knew true revival would not come without the people first being humbled. Only then would they look to the Lord as their only hope. The problem was not with God, but with His people.

Our first concern must always be the glory of God. Problems will come and go, but God remains our sovereign Lord. Thus, we must trust Him and come before Him humbly with our requests. He knows what He is doing. Habakkuk learned this—he learned that God could be trusted, even when things look bleak: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, . . . yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

This is the heart God is after. So, when we pray, we must ask ourselves, Do I want to see Jesus glorified? Or am I just looking for God to solve my problems? Friend, God responds to humility, not entitlement. He loves us too much to have it any other way.

Prayer: God, forgive me for seeking my own comfort above praise for Your name. I know that as I pray for Your name to be glorified and seek ways to further Your Kingdom, I will find peace and comfort in Your Truth and promises. You are generous and good. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (Habakkuk 3:19).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon When God’s Plans Differ from Ours in Timing: 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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