Leading The Way - Devotional for June 13

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June 13, 2026

Hard Work Is Not Optional 

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. 

While we may wish the rules were different, there are a few time-tested Truths about growing and maturing. They take work. And they also involve patience, persistence, and sacrifice.

No Olympic champion ever won gold by eating a diet of candy bars and taking naps every day. To attain a high level of achievement, hard work is not optional.

Our walk with God is no different. In order to be the type of Christians who truly personify the hands and feet of Christ in every aspect of our lives, we must work hard.

The apostle Paul explained why he insisted on being a disciplined Christian: 

Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:26-27)

When we are not stretching ourselves, when we are not growing, we are stagnating spiritually. We miss out on God’s best for us at that moment. To obey God at every turn is to honor Him to the fullest. But it’s not easy.

Making the conscious decision to disobey God shows how prideful we really are. Conversely, deciding to obey God exemplifies a spirit of true humility: “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). When we trust God and submit to His will for our lives, we can be confident that He will exalt us in His timing: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Even though we may think God’s plan looks impossible, through faith and trust in Him, we will arrive at the conclusion that He indeed knows best. And when we are walking with God, certain His every move is for our best, we will grow to heights only God knew we could reach. 

Prayer: Lord, help me resist the temptation to do what looks easiest and instead always obey Your voice. Strengthen me that I may fulfill Your work. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Joseph: Portrait of a Winner: LISTEN NOW

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