February 6, 2026
Leaning on God’s Wisdom
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Only constant and focused prayer will keep us alert to subtle deception, flattering words, and the schemes of the ungodly. If we try to live as ambassadors for Christ but don’t lean on God’s wisdom through prayer, then we set ourselves up for failure. “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you” (Proverbs 4:6).
Read Joshua 9. Had Joshua and the leadership of Israel sought the counsel and wisdom of God, the Lord would have given them discernment. He would have shown them that the Gibeonites were wolves in sheep’s clothing. We must always be wary of those who use spiritual language to seduce us and lead us away from the Truth. This is what happened to Joshua. The deceptive people who came to Joshua did not oppose or argue with him. They knew the Bible and misused it, leading Joshua astray.
How did Joshua handle his failure in being deceived by the Gibeonites? He may have been tempted to break the covenant with the Gibeonites because it was made in deception, but he kept his integrity. He knew that his testimony was more important than revenge. He knew that becoming bitter would not honor God.
Have you allowed yourself to be misled or dissuaded from witnessing for Christ? Have you experienced a failure because you neglected to seek God’s wisdom and discernment? When we ask for God’s forgiveness and persevere in His work, He can bring triumph out of our failure.
Scripture tells us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, . . . Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:5-6, 12).
Prayer: God, when I face failure, help me to respond in a way that honors You. I pray that You would give me wisdom to handle the challenges of living in this world. You alone give me the strength to persevere. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon You Want Me to Do What?, Part 7: LISTEN NOW
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Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
