Be Brave in the War

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

There is a war raging on Truth. Our postmodern, post-Truth world is doing all it can to undermine the very notion of objective Truth—creating the perfect breeding ground for heresy and false religion. As a result, our culture considers it foolish—even hateful—for Christians to contend for basic Biblical beliefs. But we must stand firm in our faith, speaking the Truth that the world needs to hear.

Read Daniel 1. Daniel lived in a culture like ours, but he trusted in and drew courage from Almighty God. When Daniel and his friends were only teenagers, they refused to defile themselves with the royal food and wine, and God granted them favor. Later in life, Daniel was hated, falsely accused, and thrown into a lions’ den for once again refusing to compromise his faith. But he never gave in to fear (see Daniel 6).

In the face of overwhelming opposition, Daniel trusted in the Lord—and we are to do the same. As we depend on Christ, He will give us the strength to exercise our prophetic voice and speak out against the evils in our culture—both bravely and compassionately. 

Fallen humanity wants to be God—not submit to His will. Therefore, we should not be surprised when we are reviled for our faith in Christ. If ever you are mocked or criticized, realize you are receiving the blows meant for our Lord. And use this opportunity to share the Good News of Christ’s love.

In the coming years, as hostility toward Jesus Christ increases in the West, it will take great faith to take up our cross and follow Him. Our faith may cost us our livelihood, our reputation, our relationships, and more. Why, then, would we choose to stand for Truth when it is socially, politically, or economically inconvenient to do so?

The only answer is that Christ is worthy—and His Gospel is worth fighting for, even giving our lives for, if necessary. Jesus Christ died on a cross to reconcile us to the Father, and His resurrection was the great turning point in the war against evil. Our Savior has won; He lives! And His victory is the reason we can be brave today. We cannot afford to be idle or passive. We must courageously speak God’s Truth. And we can do so knowing that He is with us.

Prayer: Jesus, You are worthy! Your Gospel is life. Help me to walk in Your victory with love and peace toward others. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened’” (1 Peter 3:14).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Watch Out for the Hidden Enemy, Part 6: 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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