Leading The Way - Devotional for January 13
January 13, 2026
Faith Born of Crisis
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read John 4:46-53.
In John 4, a royal official traveled a significant distance—probably 8-9 hours by donkey—to seek out Jesus. A father, he came to intercede on behalf of his fatally ill child.
This man had everything this world could offer—money, security, and influence. And yet he recognized that he was powerless to help his son. So he sought Jesus, recognizing he needed divine intervention. He had crisis faith. But God doesn’t want us to come to Him only in these moments. In fact, when the royal official first arrived, Jesus was saying to the crowd, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, . . . you will never believe” (John 4:48).
This determined, desperate father saw His words as the test of faith they were and refused to be put off. He pleaded with Jesus, “Sir, come down before my child dies” (v. 49). In other words, “My faith is in who You are. You are the only one who can help me.” He showed continuing faith—faith that endures.
Jesus recognized this faith, but rather than going to the man’s home, He simply said, “Go, . . . your son will live” (v. 50). Jesus gave the royal official an opportunity to demonstrate confident faith, the kind of faith that trusts even without tangible proof. And this father took the Lord at His word.
The next day the man’s confident faith became confirmed faith when, while still on his way home, one of his servants met him and shared that his son had recovered the day before (see vv. 52-53). The fever had left the boy precisely when Jesus had said he would live.
Finally, this man’s faith became contagious faith—“his whole household believed” (v. 53). Because of his testimony about what Jesus had done, everyone in his household was inspired to have faith of their own.
As we prepare to face discrimination and possibly even persecution, let us ask the Lord for contagious faith. As we trust and obey Him, He will empower us to model unwavering, tenacious faith in every trial so that the next generation will be thoroughly equipped for every spiritual battle.
Prayer: Jesus, may I develop confident, contagious faith as I recall Your wondrous works, especially the transformation You are working in my heart. May I bear witness to Your trustworthiness and joy as I walk in Your way. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“‘Go,’ Jesus replied. ‘your son will live.’ The man took Jesus at his word and departed” (John 4:50).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Embracing Your Mission for the Future: WATCH NOW
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