God Is on the Throne

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

When anxiety and uncertainty surround us, God is still in control.

Read Isaiah 6:1-7.

The decline of true Christian faith in America is our most pressing trouble. This loss of faith has hollowed out our society from within. It’s just as the psalmist said, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). Many believers are asking the same question today.

Even so, I have hope—hope that is based on the changeless and immovable promises of God. As I already mentioned, in times like these, it is imperative—not recommended, not suggested, not just preferable—it is imperative that we go to God’s Word and learn from His prophets.

During Isaiah’s lifetime, the nation of Judah, too, went through a period of anxiety and uncertainty. Isaiah 6:1 tells us, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.” Now, many people read right past those opening words, but God isn’t merely telling us it was the year Uzziah died as a way of marking the date. He’s giving us that bit of information so that we might recognize it was a season of change for the people of Judah.

The nation was traumatized by Uzziah’s death. Although he wasn’t a perfect man—far from it—he was a good king, more godly than the king who came before him and the king who reigned after him. Uzziah led the nation for 52 years and had been the hope of the people, but now he was gone. And the people wondered, “What should we do now?”

Isaiah must have wondered that too. But then he saw the Lord with his own eyes, seated on His glorious throne. The message: Regardless of who sits upon the thrones of this world, the true King of kings reigns in heaven above. In a season of anxiety, worry, and fear, God gave Isaiah a renewed vision of reality.

Although Isaiah received this remarkable vision of the Lord on His throne, he never got to experience the power and the strength of the resurrected Jesus. Our King, who was mocked and flogged, who was crucified and buried, rose victoriously on the third day. Our King, who was hated and had nowhere to lay His head, is reigning and ruling on the rim of the universe even now. We can depend on Him, no matter what comes our way.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You never change. You are steadfast—an anchor that holds. I trust in You and have confidence in Your love and promises even when this world and my circumstances look bleak. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Hope for This Present Crisis, Part 5: 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


Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.