Leading The Way - Week of December 18, Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef

Leading The Way - Week of December 18

December 18, 2023

December 18, 2023

Peace in Praising God

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

When young Mary learned from the angel Gabriel that she would soon be pregnant with the Son of God, she could have focused on all the hardship her pregnancy would surely bring her way. But Mary didn’t panic, of course. She asked one simple question of the angel: “How will this be, . . . since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). It was an honest question, not an expression of doubt or disobedience. And once Gabriel told Mary that her pregnancy would be supernatural—the work of the Holy Spirit—she replied, “I am the Lord’s servant” (v. 38).

It was a beautiful, humble response, fitting for the woman God chose to be the mother of His Son. But Mary had another response as well, one that echoes down through the centuries and is known today as the Magnificat. In this song, Mary gives us an example to follow, one that will lead us back to peace.

The song begins, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, . . .” (vv. 46-47). Why mention both her soul and her spirit? Because Mary wants everyone to know that she praises the Lord with her entire being and with her whole life. No matter what she is facing, no matter her circumstances—she is the Lord’s, totally and truly.

Mary’s song also points to the mercy and grace of God. Ultimately, it’s not about Mary or her calling; it’s about God and His goodness. The Son that would be born to Mary was God’s remedy for the problems of sin, death, and evil.

Finally, Mary highlighted the faithfulness of God in her song: “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors” (Luke 1:54-55). She was thinking about the Scriptures, all the stories of her people she had heard over the years, and she recognized that all of God’s promises were about to be fulfilled in the Savior growing in her womb.

I don’t know what you are walking through this Christmas season, but I want you to know that God is faithful. He never goes back on His promises. Whatever your circumstances, His lovingkindness and faithfulness will lift you up as you trust Him. So, spend time magnifying His name above all others, point to His mercy and grace in your life, and rest in His faithfulness.

Prayer: Father, I praise You for Your faithfulness. I know that as I focus on You—Your majesty and wondrous lovingkindness toward sinners—You will lift me above my struggles and bring peace and joy to my heart. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name” (Luke 1:48-49).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon The Magnificat: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

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About Leading The Way

Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through print, web, television, and radio, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives at home — and around the world.

What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ — including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Leading The Way's television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. Leading The Way also produces DVDs, CDs, books, a monthly devotional magazine, solar-powered Navigators, and daily e-devotionals to spread the light of Christ. In 2009, the ministry launched its own 24/7 satellite TV channel, reaching the Muslim world with Gospel programming in English, Arabic, French, and Indonesian. Leading The Way utilizes field teams to evangelize and disciple viewers in closed countries and help persecuted Christians on the ground.

Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way staff are committed to sharing the Gospel with the lost and equipping believers to grow into a deeper walk with Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.

About Dr. Michael Youssef

Michael Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and field ministry teams. His weekly television programs and daily radio programs are broadcast more than 13,000 times per week in multiple languages throughout the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds degrees from Moore College in Sydney, Australia; Fuller Theological Seminary in California; and a Ph.D. in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Hope for This Present Crisis, Life-Changing Prayers, and Never Give Up. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.