Victory in the Christian life begins when we die to self, sin, pride, and the approval of others. Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that Satan is not invincible—Christ has conquered, and in Him we can resist the devil and walk in freedom.
George Müller, the nineteenth-century evangelist and prayer warrior, was once asked the secret of his victorious life. His answer was simple: “It was the day I died, utterly died.” In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains what it means for believers to die to self and live fully surrendered to Christ.
Müller said he died to his opinions, preferences, tastes, will, the world’s approval, the world’s criticism, and even the praise or blame of friends. From that day forward, his aim was to be approved by God alone. Dr. Youssef reminds us that until we die to self, we will live in defeat; until we die to sin, we will live in bondage; until we die to pride, we will live enslaved.
But the believer does not have to remain defeated. James declares, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This is not the picture of a helpless Christian being beaten down, but of a victorious soldier standing under the authority of the risen Christ.
Your commanding General rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and reigns at the Father’s right hand with all powers in submission to Him. Joined with Christ, you can break free from bondage, sinful habits, and enslaving patterns—not by your own strength, but by the conquering power of Jesus.
Pray with me.
Precious Lord, thank You for the freedom that comes when I die to myself and live only for You. When Satan attacks me with lies, help me to dwell on Your Truth, that I might walk more fully in the victory You have given me in Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.