Leading The Way - Devotional for November 12
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November 12, 2026
Blessings out of Blastings
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
There is a cycle often seen in the lives of God’s people. Just as the brook dried up at the Kerith Ravine and ended that tranquil time, the season of plenty at Zarephath came to an abrupt end for Elijah. Tragically, the widow’s son died, provoking her anger toward God and Elijah (see 1 Kings 17:17-24).
The cycle of blessing followed by a blasting is not unusual for God’s people. Often a great triumph is accompanied by a great trial. I experienced this in 1987 when we established our church. God blessed us in every way a church can be blessed. Twenty-eight people attended the first meeting in a hotel function room; the number increased to sixty the next week, and devoted believers continued to pour in. I was meeting with people morning, noon, and night, running to keep up with the phenomenal growth.
But in 1989, I became seriously ill with double pneumonia. All I could do was lie on my back. God was hiding me as He did Elijah and putting me in a place to be quiet and listen. He taught me I could only minister to others if I would first minister to Him. He taught me I could do nothing in my own strength but everything in His.
God will bring blessings out of the blastings every time if we will listen to His voice. So let us not waste a difficult season by focusing only on what has been taken away. Ask God what He wants to teach you through trials. He may be exposing self-reliance, drawing you closer to Him, or preparing you for something you cannot yet see. The season may be painful, but it is not pointless. God is still at work when the brook dries up, when the door closes, and when our plans are interrupted. These seasons are temporary, but the Lord remains faithful through them all. So cling to Him. Let the trial drive you deeper into His Word and closer to His heart. When the season of fruitfulness comes again, you will be prepared and equipped, humble in heart and patient with the Lord’s timing.
Prayer: God, thank You for the reminder today that You have blessings for me even during difficult times. Help me to look for the blessings today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12).
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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