Today, I'd like to share with you my thoughts on the incredible journey of leadership. It's a topic that has been on my mind recently, and I believe that true leadership is something that is earned rather than demanded. It is not about gaining power or control, but rather about responding to a higher calling.
When we think of great leaders, we often envision individuals who possess remarkable qualities and skills. But what if I told you that leadership goes beyond mere qualifications? What if I told you that true leadership begins with a divine calling and the belief that God qualifies the unqualified?
Born Leaders, Not Built: Why Greatness Finds You
Forget the corner office and the power suit. True leadership isn't about climbing the corporate ladder or demanding respect. It's a call, a summoning that whispers through the chaos, urging you to step forward. We're often bombarded with images of high-powered CEOs and CEOs who clawed their way to the top. But genuine leadership isn't a self-made achievement. It's a mantle of responsibility entrusted to those who answer a higher purpose.
The Divine Qualification: Humility is the Hallmark
Qualifications and certifications pale in comparison to the mark of a true leader: humility. Greatness isn't thrust upon you; it's revealed within you. In my own experience, I have come to understand that when God calls you into a position of leadership, He equips and prepares you for the challenges that lie ahead. It's not about having the perfect résumé or the most impressive credentials. When God calls you to lead, He doesn't seek the polished and perfect. He seeks the willing, the ones ready to shed their ego and embrace the challenge. It’s about embracing humility and recognizing that greatness can be found in the most unexpected places.
The Apprenticeship of Faith: Equipped for the Journey
Think being called to lead means being thrown into the fire unprepared? Think again. The God who calls also equips. God has a unique way of shaping us through the experiences we encounter. He throws open the doors to experiences that hone your skills and forge your character. The struggles become stepping stones, and the doubts turn into unwavering faith. You become the perfect instrument for the task at hand, handcrafted by the divine. It is through His guidance and grace that we find the strength to overcome obstacles and inspire those around us.
Learn from these Biblical figures
Moses was initially a shepherd who lived in exile after fleeing Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance and self-doubt, God called him to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. With God's guidance and power, Moses became a great leader, delivering the Ten Commandments and leading the Israelites through the wilderness toward the Promised Land.
David was a shepherd boy chosen by God to become the King of Israel. He was anointed by the prophet Samuel while still a young man and led a remarkable life, known for his bravery, musical talents, and his deep faith in God. Despite facing numerous challenges, including battles and political struggles, David is remembered as one of Israel's greatest kings.
God took both Moses and David through circumstances that shaped their leadership knowledge and skills. He placed them in circumstances that would shape and prepare them for the task at hand. When God calls you into a position of leadership, he will prepare and equip you.
Gideon was an ordinary man from the tribe of Manasseh. When called by God to lead the Israelites against the Midianites, he initially doubted his capabilities. However, through God's guidance and assurance, Gideon became a mighty leader and judge, leading a small army to a victorious battle against overwhelming odds.
Esther was a Jewish orphan who became the queen of Persia during the reign of King Xerxes I. Though she initially hid her Jewish identity, she was called by God to intercede for her people when they faced persecution. With great courage, Esther risked her life by approaching the king and successfully pleading for the salvation of the Jewish people.
Peter was a fisherman when Jesus called him to be one of His disciples. Although impulsive and sometimes doubtful, Peter emerged as a prominent leader among the apostles. After Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, Peter played a pivotal role in establishing the early Christian Church and became one of its key figures.
These biblical figures demonstrate that God often chooses unexpected individuals to fulfill extraordinary purposes. They teach us that greatness can emerge from unexpected places and that anyone, regardless of their initial self-perception, can make a profound impact on the world. They teach us that greatness and leadership can arise from humble beginnings and that faith and obedience to God's calling can lead to transformative impact.
Remember, leadership is earned, not demanded. When God calls you to a position of leadership, He will prepare and equip you for the task at hand. When you are called to be a leader, answer humbly, and don't worry; God is with you and will equip you. He is telling us to be courageous, just as he told Joshua. He has promised to be with us until the end. Answer the call with humility and trust God to take care of the rest.
Answer the Call, Embrace the Journey
As we embark on this journey of leadership, it's important to remember that it's not about us. It's about serving a higher purpose and making a positive impact on the lives of others. When we lead with humility and a genuine desire to serve, we create an environment where others can thrive and grow.
Leadership isn't for the faint of heart. It's a demanding path, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. But when you answer the call, you discover a strength you never knew you possessed. You become a beacon, guiding others not with blind authority, but with the unwavering conviction of one who has been prepared by a power far greater than themself.
So, my friends, if you ever find yourself questioning your qualifications or feeling inadequate for the challenges of leadership, remember that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Trust in His plan for your life and embrace the lessons He is teaching you along the way.
Leadership is not about having all the answers or being the most skilled individual in the room. It's about having the courage to step forward, to answer the call, and to trust in the journey that lies ahead. God will equip you with everything you need to make a difference in the lives of others.
So, the next time you feel that tug on your soul, don't dismiss it. It might be the call to leadership you've been waiting for. Embrace the humility, trust in the preparation, and step forward. The world needs leaders who are born, not built.
Together, let us embrace the calling of leadership, knowing that we are not alone. With God by our side, we can overcome any challenge and lead with love, humility, and purpose. So, my fellow leaders, let us rise to the occasion, for this is the path that has been set before us.
Ponder on the following
- Humility: Proverbs 15:33, Philippians 2:3-4
- God equips the called: Exodus 4:11-12, Jeremiah 1:6-8
- Called from ordinary beginnings: Amos 7:14-15
- Leadership is about serving: Mark 10:43-45
Until next time,
Rumishael
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