Leading a Purposeful Life

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

*An audio version of today's devotional is available on Leading The Way's MY Devotional podcast.

Psalm 27:4 says, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” And the Lord Jesus said to Martha as she busied herself with preparations that she was “worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one” (Luke 10:41-42).

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6. If we have been transformed by Christ, we are meant to live for Christ—to glorify Him forever. When this is our ultimate aim, three things occur: We become mentally prepared, spiritually powerful, and ultimately approved.

First, if your purpose in life is to glorify God, you will be mentally prepared for any circumstance—including suffering. The agony of the cross could not deter Jesus from accomplishing His purpose. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, . . .” (Hebrews 12:2). In the same way, when we fix our eyes on eternity, we will be ready to submit to the will of God regardless of the cost.

Second, armed with Christ’s attitude, you will be spiritually empowered to resist temptation. When you set your mind on pleasing God alone, you will not be caught off guard so easily by sin. Instead, you will rest in His mercy and grace, overcoming past and present sins, so that you can say with Paul: “[O]ne thing I do: . . . I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

Finally, when your life is defined by glorifying, praising, and pleasing Jesus, you will be ultimately approved by the Lord on the day of accountability. When Jesus returns, those of us in Christ will escape His judgment. However, we still must answer for the way we lived our lives. On that day, we will be held accountable for whether we lived for ourselves or lived for Him who died for us (see Matthew 12:36).

Are you living a life that is glorifying God? It is never too late to seek after His purpose for your life. Ask for God’s help today to live for Him—for He is the one thing you need most.

Prayer: Jesus, I know You are the one thing I need above all else. I long to live for You. Give me the strength and wisdom to live a life that honors You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Identity Transformation, Part 10: 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
View All


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