Leading The Way - Devotional for September 8
September 8, 2025
Seeking Power and Influence
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
There is no doubt about it: Power is enticing. It also can be intoxicating. But it is the one thing people want more of today. In the 1990s, the trend was not just to have lunch with a colleague—it was to have a “power” lunch.
Even today, this trend continues at a feverish pace. Instead of asking how a person is doing and listening to him or her talk over lunch, handheld devices steal our attention. Our minds are occupied with gathering content to enlarge our influence.
Sadly, those who get caught up in this whirlwind usually want those around them to take notice. They want others to think they are powerful. But the Truth is that if they are not living lives submitted to Jesus Christ, then they are powerless.
A large number of people were drawn to the early church thinking that they would receive a certain degree of power. However, they quickly realized that if they wanted to experience God’s power, then they would have to change by leaving their quest for control and personal gain behind.
God’s power is something He gives to those whose lives are submitted to Him. The power we experience as believers is not a power that takes advantage of others, rules over individuals, or seeks to be well-known. It is a power born of humility and sacrifice.
Are you living life with the goal of gaining more power, money, or influence? Remember the resurrection was the single most powerful event in history. Yet, it could not have taken place apart from the crucifixion. If you want to experience true power, begin your quest at the foot of the cross.
Prayer: Father, help me to rest in Your power, trusting Your Holy Spirit to work through me daily. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series God’s Power for Daily Living: LISTEN NOW
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Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
