Leaders Don't Give Up When Leading Gets Difficult - Ron Edmondson
“The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?’” Joshua 7:10 NIV
The people Joshua was supposed to be leading were not going in the direction he was supposed to be taking them. The Israelites had fallen to the ways of the world, following other gods, and choosing to reject their commitments made to God and to Joshua.
Joshua, in a fit of desperation, tore his clothes and fell on his face before God. In essence, God must have seen into Joshua’s heart (He does that well) and saw that Joshua was ready to quit. God’s word to Joshua: STAND UP! Joshua had an assignment from God and it wasn’t time to give up his post.
When I read this recently it was a great reminder of our calling as leaders. Too many times, I have been tempted to give up when the pressure mounts too heavily, but that’s not how a leader responds to troubled times.
Are you a weary leader? I know the feeling, but I need to remind you that leaders don’t give up when things get difficult…
Sure, critics will arise…
People will resist your leadership…
Some days nothing will seem to go right…
You’ll be over your head many times in your leadership…
Quitting may even seem like the best alternative…
Still, in spite of the circumstances, leaders push through and pursue the vision God has called them to…
If God has called you to a task, don’t let others distract you…don’t let fear or failure get in your way…don’t allow the discomfort or setbacks of leadership keep you down for long. Stand up! Fight the good fight! Complete the task! Give God the glory!
That’s what leaders do!
Have you ever been tempted to lie down on the calling God placed on your life? How did you find the courage to keep going?
Share your story here and let it encourage others.
(For similar encouragement, read THIS POST.)
