We tend to learn more about ourselves in the difficult times than we do in other periods in our lives. When everything in life just seems to glide along effortlessly, we look like we have everything together, like we are sufficient unto ourselves. Yet, when life hurls an unexpected curve our way, our true colors are revealed.

 

Though exhausting, overwhelming, and even unwished-for, these times of trial are God’s means for shaping and molding us. He adds pressure to our lives, and, just as a diamond undergoes intense heat and pressure before it emerges as a sparkling jewel, we must be refined.

 

Where do you turn when adversity comes and the walls of life begin to close in around you? Do you cry out to a loved one, a friend or parent? Do you rely upon your own ingenuity? Or do you turn to the Lord, calling upon Him to rescue you in your time of need?

 

True champions always pray during the dark times. As they turn to God in prayer, they demonstrate their trust in the love and sovereignty of God. Life can feel relentless at times, yet nothing is impossible for God. He can pluck us from the doldrums of circumstance, placing us on the mountaintop far from the troubles nipping at our feet.

 

As you turn to God in the midst of trying circumstances, remember He is faithful to hear your cries and will answer your prayers. Although He may not answer in the way you expect, He will always do what is best.

 

Prayer: Lord, give me the faith to trust You with each and every circumstance in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him” (Jeremiah 17:7).

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.



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