We Need Not Live in Fear

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

Read 1 Peter 5:8-9.

The apostle Peter admonished the Christians in his day: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan wants nothing more than to devour you. Far from being powerless, he is like a mighty lion licking his chops, seeking the weak and the vulnerable—those who aren’t grounded in the Truth of God’s Word. He stalks his prey in silence, patiently waiting for the right moment to strike. Satan saves his roar until he’s trapped the unsuspecting believer in his grip. Only those who are aware will be able to see his approach and guard against his schemes. We aren’t called to be comfortable. We’re called to be alert—and shrewd.

If we want to be wise in the spiritual battle at hand, we mustn’t delude ourselves: We cannot negotiate with the devil. Compromise with the enemy will always cost us because any compromise we make with the devil is disobedience to God. He will do everything he can to lead us into rebellion against God, to dull our sense of sin and leave us vulnerable to more attacks. 

Whether you acknowledge it or not, Satan is in a state of war with you. He is your adversary because the moment you said “yes” to Jesus, he lost you as his follower. He intended you to be a future companion in the Lake of Fire. But when Christ found you and saved you, He rescued you from the kingdom of darkness and brought you into the Kingdom of God (see Colossians 1:13), forever transferring your citizenship to heaven (see Philippians 3:20). Satan knows this, and he has never gotten over it—he will never have an attitude of neutrality toward you. Your new life in Christ angers him, so he will do everything he can to disconnect you from God’s strength, grace, and purpose. As a Christian, you have a target on your back.

However, Jesus has not left you defenseless. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). I urge you to cling to this Truth daily. God has not called you to live in fear but instead to live with joy, peace, and hope in the final victory of Christ. That is your inheritance in Him. Don’t let the devil rob you of it.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for redeeming me from the kingdom of darkness and bringing me into Your eternal light. I know You are greater than the enemy and will give me strength, hope, and victory as I trust in You. May I be wise in the spiritual battle and rest in Your Truth. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Winning the Invisible War: WATCH NOW | 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.

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