God's Strategies - Leading The Way - Devotional for November 13

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November 13, 2026

God’s Strategies

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.

Elijah turned the tide in his nation though he was only one person with limited resources. The widow made a difference by making her last cake for God’s man and not for herself (see 1 Kings 17:13). God puts unique service on the hearts of His people and blesses that obedience as they submit to His sovereign will.

Often, God’s strategies make no sense to us because, unlike Him, we have limited vision. When God took Elijah into the heart of enemy territory, God knew that was the last place King Ahab’s soldiers would look for him. God also knew that going to Zarephath would save Elijah from starvation though common sense said there was famine. More importantly, God showed Elijah that He cared about the Baal-worshiping widow and her family.

God often has multiple objectives as He operates on many fronts simultaneously. If we follow His lead, we will be blessed and may become instruments of blessing for others.

Has God ever prompted you to do something that made no sense at the time but was His sovereign will? Is God asking you now to move out of your comfort zone with people, your career, or your finances? Is He moving your heart to explore new territory in ministry or in your relationship with Him?

You may not understand why God is leading you in a particular direction, but you can trust the one who sees what you cannot. His plans are never limited by your resources or restricted by your understanding. What looks like a small act of obedience may have consequences far beyond what you can imagine. The widow could not see what God would accomplish through her simple act of faith, but God used her obedience to sustain His prophet and display His faithfulness. When you obey His leading, you are placing your life in the hands of the one who knows the beginning from the end. You can trust Him with the results—both for your spiritual growth and for His Kingdom.

Prayer: God, I often do not understand Your ways, but I will obey Your calling because I know that You can see what I can’t. I trust that You will bless me and use me to bless others as I obey You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance” (2 Thessalonians 3:5).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon How God Works, God’s Blessing and Life’s Blasting: LISTEN NOW

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Dr. Michael Youssef is a pastor, best-selling author, and the founder of Leading The Way, a global ministry reaching millions with the Gospel through television, radio, and digital outreach. Born in Egypt, educated in Australia and the United States, and holding a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology, Dr. Youssef brings a rare global perspective to Biblical teaching. His commitment to exegesis and sound hermeneutics sets his preaching apart, helping readers understand Scripture like never before—whether they are new to the faith or lifelong students of the Bible.
Watch Dr. Youssef’s greatest sermons, explore original Christian podcasts, browse an expansive collection of Biblical content, and submit prayer requests at ltw.org 

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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.