Leadership lessons are rarely learned the first time. Moses just won a battle by being a leader – not getting down and fighting himself, but inspiring the troops through visible prayer and devotion. He couldn’t hold his hands up alone, though – he needed strong support on his left and right. The very next story is about how he is trying to handle all of the judging in Israel by himself. Jethro, his father-in-law, comes in and gives him some world class advice in delegation and management – how to be a leader that focuses on the big picture without ignoring anyone. He didn’t learn the lesson the first time, but he is growing as a leader. God wants him, and us, to be strong leaders.
I have rarely learned the leadership lessons the first time, and I have found that it is ok – as long as I get it eventually. In leadership there is pressure to succeed – from the outside, but even more from inside myself. The best thing I can do is trust in God’s love and give myself permission to risk, and learn, and be patient as I grow. Then I can work like crazy as I grow as a leader – casting vision and inspiring, know what is mine to do alone, what is to be given to others, and what is to be done with a team. I thank God for how much I have grown in the last 3 years as a leader, and I thank God even more for a church that has supported, encouraged, and prayed for me as I have grown. I am looking forward to how God will be growing me even more in the future, too!
http://nlt.scripturetext.com/exodus/18.htm
