Fear Not

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

During the time of the prophet Isaiah, the people of God were going through a difficult time of upheaval, insecurity, and loss. But God's promise to them 2,700 years ago remains a promise for us today: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned" (Isaiah 43:1-2).

 

Over and over in Scripture, God assures His people to fear not. In the heat of battle and in moments of deep disappointment, God assures us that we have no reason to allow fear to intimidate, confuse, or defeat us.

 

Read Matthew 10:24-31. As Jesus was preparing the disciples for ministry, He provided three pivotal fear nots that we can cling to in our own moments of doubt:

 

Fear not, for the Truth will ultimately triumph. In verse 26, Jesus said: "So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." Jesus encouraged the disciples that even amidst persecution, they did not need to be afraid. Why? Because God has promised to vindicate His faithful children. God has promised to ultimately exalt righteousness and judge sin.

 

Fear not because heaven is your destination. In verse 28, Jesus told the disciples, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul." Standing firm for the Gospel can be costly. But as children of the living God, we have nothing to fear on this earth because our eternal destination is secure in Christ.

 

Fear not because God has everything under control. In verses 29 and 30, Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." If God sustains the smallest of birds and takes interest in the smallest details of our lives, how much more does He take interest in providing for our needs?

 

When you find yourself in deep waters, remember that God will not let you drown. Trust in Him, and you will experience His presence in ways you could never have experienced in ten storm-less lifetimes.

 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your promises! Help me to obey Your command to fear not and to trust in Your faithfulness and power—even when it seems that all hope is lost. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid" (Psalm 56:3-4).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!http://store.ltw.org/contactus.aspx?form=MyDevotional

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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