Raised Up to Run to the Lost

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

In ancient times, “runners” were often used to carry messages between an army and its king, such as the good news of a victory in battle. In a similar way, God is calling believers to run and declare the Good News of Christ’s victory—the ultimate victory announcement of all time.

In Isaiah 52:1-12, Isaiah was announcing good news to the people of Israel in the midst of their terrible exile in Babylon. Through Isaiah, God was declaring that He would answer His people’s cry for freedom and release them from their captivity. However, while Isaiah was directly speaking to God’s people during that particular historical time, he was also speaking indirectly to us, inspired by the Holy Spirit, about our deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ.

Today, many people are looking for deliverance that only Jesus can provide. Billions of people around the world remain unreached by the Gospel. They are oppressed by the burden of sin, in need of the freedom offered through Christ alone, and seeking to worship the one true God. Some of them may be your own friends, family, or neighbors.

The masses are waiting to hear, and God is calling His people to run and tell them. All of us are called to be a part of this global mission—to heed the final task given to the Church by Christ Himself (see Matthew 28:19-20).

When we fulfill this calling, we are embodying the message of the prophet from Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, . . .” When we share the Good News with a dying world, when we pray for the spread of the Gospel, when we support any work that is advancing God’s Kingdom, He is pleased. Each time we step out in obedience to fulfill His call, God says that this is beautiful.

Even now, God is preparing hearts to receive His Truth. He has promised that a great multitude among the nations is His (see Revelation 7:9). At the same time, He has raised us up to run to our soon-to-be brothers and sisters in Christ with the message of His love so that they can become a part of His family forever. So then, let us go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him, “What is my part to play in this great drama of redemption?”

Prayer: Father, may I not shy away from the glorious work of sharing Your Gospel with the nations even if I should feel uncomfortable. I pray that I would become less and that You would become more for the furthering of Your Kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon The Beautiful Feet: 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.

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.