Letter To My Leaders – Never Scared?

I thought I’d share one of the letters I wrote to some of the young leaders I serve with…

Am sure you know that Joshua succeeded Moses… Imagine succeeding Moses! A leader who (boldly) faced one of the most feared and powerful leaders of a particular time in history. A leader who led 3 million whining, complaining and ungrateful people. Imagine following after someone who walked with such humility that God himself would commend his humility as never ever attained, let alone surpassed! Imagine following after a leader who had immense respect for that the thought of even walking in their shoes would seem somewhat “sacrilegious”. (Not that I’m completely aware of Joshua’s sentiments, as just merely trying to picture what his disposition was). Am sure you will emphatically agree, it would be indeed an extremely tough act to follow!

When I think of all the things I’ve just highlighted, it doesn’t surprise me that one of the things God ensured established early, as a key ingredient, in his leadership was courage. The very nature of leadership demands it. It takes courage to lead others (and sometimes including yourself) to uncharted or unfamiliar territory. It takes courage to be in a place where your vision and your plans are in the open for all to see and challenge. It takes courage to live in the space of such vulnerability. It takes courage to live and accept responsibility for lives either than your own. It takes courage for you to be in a place where you hear from God for the sake of other lives besides your own. Especially challenging at those times when you struggle to hear God for yourself! Courage, courage, courage! My encouragement to you for today is:

• Don’t be afraid to lead.
• Don’t be afraid to do and or say what God is saying to you. You stand to lose more as an individual and a team when you go with your fear than what God requires of you.
• Not every leader got everything right all the first time or all the time. You will make mistakes. Let this fact be liberating and not inhibiting. The worst mistake you could do is not respond when you should.
• Seek the wisdom of those that have gone before. You don’t need to know every thing.
• And, also very important… Draw your confidence as you lead from God by cultivating your relationship with Him.

What would you do if you were absolutely confident God was with you? – Pete Wilson