Three Things Courageous Leaders Do

The world needs confident and courageous leaders, especially during uncertain times.

Do you ever wonder why Jesus, the son of an obscure carpenter from Nazareth, was popular with the masses and drew people to himself?

People follow leaders who give them hope.

You can be a leader who give people hope if you do these three things consistently:

1. Pay attention to what the Lord is doing,
2. Understand what the Lord wants,
3. Pray for wisdom and understanding.

Confident Leaders Pay Attention

In a lengthy conversation with Israel from Isaiah 5, God chastises Israel for its apathy when it should be like the watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem:

“At their feasts there are lyres and harps,
    tambourines and flutes, and wine
        Yet, they don’t pay attention to what the Lord is doing
            or see what his hands have done
My people will go into exile
   because they don’t understand what I’m doing.
       Honored men will starve,
           and common people will be parched with thirst.”

Confident Leaders Understand What the Lord Wants

The Apostle Paul had a similar challenge for the Ephesians (and for us):

“So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. 16 Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, GOD’S WORD Translation)

Confident Leaders Pray for Wisdom and Understanding

When a leader is confident, courage follows.

We’re all familiar with what God told Joshua and overlook what he told Nahum:

“The one who will scatter you is coming to attack you.
Guard your fortress!
    Keep a lookout on the road!
      Prepare for battle!
        Be very courageous!” (Nahum 2:1)

How do you prepare for battle? Pray. Not just for your own needs; pray for the people you lead and the people you love so they are also ready for what’s next.

“For this reason we have not stopped praying for you since the day we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through every kind of spiritual wisdom and insight (understanding). We ask this so that you will live the kind of lives that prove you belong to the Lord.” (Colossians 1:9-10, GOD’S WORD Translation)

God knows uncertain times call for confident and courageous leadership.

Don’t be a reluctant leader.  Somebody you follow is going to call you to march with them into the breach because they’ve seen what’s coming. 

Don't wait for the spark to start a movement, be the spark. 

Are you up for the challenge?