Leading The Way - Devotional for September 13

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September 13, 2025

Knowing the Spirit’s Power 

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. 

If God’s awesome power is available to us through the Holy Spirit, how can we tap into it? The answer is clear: We must acknowledge our utter helplessness and our complete dependence on God. The Bible tells us that God shows Himself strongest in the humblest of hearts. God is able to meet every need in the life that is broken in surrender and worship of Him alone. 

The key to spiritual power is humility—not striving for success nor seeking to promote ourselves. Whenever I am tempted to believe that I am responsible for some breakthrough in our ministry, I remember the many times I have felt overwhelmed by the demands and the difficulty of living for God. When I recall my helplessness, I grow closer to God, the source of my strength. 

I want the power of the Lord so I can witness with boldness and effectiveness. I want His power so I can live in a way that is fully pleasing to Him. I want God’s power to make me equal to the demands and pressures I face and to give me victory over sin. 

If we rely on our own strength, we will surely be defeated. But in the strength of the Holy Spirit, we are more than conquerors over everything that confronts us (see Romans 8:37). 

Are you tempted to take matters into your own hands and rely on your own skills and resourcefulness? Take time today to admit your inadequacies and confess your past attempts to lean on your own strength rather than rely on the power of God’s Spirit. 

Prayer: Lord, empower me afresh with Your Holy Spirit so that I might be equal to the challenges of this day. I confess my inadequacies and my tendency to rely on my own abilities. Help me to live not by might nor power but by Your Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). 

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Know Your Best Friend: LISTEN NOW

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Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.