Leading The Way - Devotional for January 23
January 23, 2026
God’s Plans for Us Stand
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Abraham’s journey of faith was not a one-time act of trust. He continually grew in his relationship with God over many years. Sometimes Abraham failed, and sometimes he stagnated—overall, however, we see a progression in his faith.
In Genesis 20, Abraham has another setback in his journey. We learned of his grave error in lying to Pharaoh in Genesis 12—yet here he is again caught in a dangerous lie. Instead of drawing on the strength of his growing faith, Abraham reverts to his old fearful ways and tries to scheme his way out of a difficult situation.
“Now Abraham moved on from there into the region of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. For a while he stayed in Gerar, and there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, ‘She is my sister.’ Then Abimelek king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her” (Genesis 20:1-2).
Even though Abraham acted in fear instead of faith, God protected Sarah and Abraham. God was still in control of His plan for Abraham and his descendants, and God’s plans were bigger than Abraham’s lack of faith. “Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him” (Genesis 21:1-2).
Prayer: God, I have been like Abraham at times, reverting back to my old fearful ways. God, I thank You that You still love me and protect me. Forgive me for not trusting You the way I should. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Counting Stars in an Empty Sky, Part 9: LISTEN NOW
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Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
