Follow the leader

Joshua 1:6; 9 (NIV)
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Good morning!

When I was a child, we used to play “Follow the Leader” on the school playground at recess. Someone would be picked to be the leader. Everyone else would follow and imitate whatever the leader did. If the leader began to march, we marched. If the leader turned in circles, we turned in circles. If the leader led us in a maze around the playground equipment, we followed. It was great fun getting a chance to be the leader, watching everyone imitate the silly things I did. It was also cool to be a follower, trying to emulate the one standing in front of me. Good leaders are hard to find. Leadership seems easy when you are playing “Follow the Leader” at recess. In reality, strong leadership takes a lot of work, determination and courage. A good leader is willing to step out of the box, even if it means risking failure.

Every one of us has the potential to be strong and courageous leaders. We lead by example. Who immediately comes to mind when you think of someone possessing courageous leadership skill sets? Who did you want to be like when you grew up? Who do you want to be today? Has God called you to be a leader in your family, in your career or vocation? Would you prefer to be a leader or a follower?

Joshua was a strong and dependable military leader. His relationship with God was rare. Joshua placed himself in complete submission to God. Being completely submitted in obedience is a tough thing to do. It means giving up personal agendas, selfish ambitions, and fear of failure, by yielding our life’s work to God. Joshua listened and obeyed the Lord, even when he didn’t understand the logistics. Joshua accepted the Lord’s leading and followed Him every step of the way. Can you imagine what your life might be like if you were to humble your heart and seek to be completely obedient to God in all things?

God’s promise is sure: if you are willing to let go and let Him take over, He can and will use your life as an example for others to follow. If we trust and obey His Word, God will be with us wherever we go. Do not be discouraged or terrified when you step out of the box and allow the Lord to lead you. Follow Joshua’s leadership example today. Trust God, even when the directions do not seem clear. He has a master plan for your life and has given you every good gift to become a strong and courageous leader for Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: courage! Seek the Lord with all your heart, your mind, your strength, giving Him complete reign over your life. He will lead you, and through your example, you will lead others to Him.

© Copyright 2006, Deb Spaulding
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