"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead..."

Joshua 1:6, NIV 

 

God forever set the standard for leaders in His instruction to Joshua: Be strong and courageous!

 

Strength and courage! This is the combination that God needs for leaders. When you think about it, strength alone will not do. It might allow you to survive certain things and win certain battles, but without courage it is incomplete because even the strongest man will not dare to stand for long. In a like manner, courage without strength cannot accomplish the things of God. While courage will allow you to take the stand, strength is needed to make the stand effective.

 

As you read through the books of the champions and the kings in this next month, note how the true champions and the good kings always possessed both, and how the bad kings and those too cowardly to lead in God's way always lacked at least one of these attributes. By noting these two characteristics, you will discover the secret of what it takes to be an effective leader in the day and age in which we live. 

 

I am convinced that one of the reasons the world is in such sad shape is that we have so few leaders with real courage. They may have power that gives them a certain strength, and they may have the nerve to occasionally make a stand, but they are for the most part woefully lacking in the courage required to take that stand for God.

 

If you don't believe that, then just note in our upcoming election next year how quickly those who are running will fold when it comes time to display courage. They will cave in to the loud mouthed men and women who demand something that they call "freedom of choice", but the murderous route they take in that so called right to choose does not provide freedom for their unborn. And when it comes to the perversion that is now defining marriage in America, just try to find one candidate who will actually say that homosexuality is sin because God says that it is sin.

 

In fact, just try to find one leader today that actually combines strength with courage. If you can find such a man or woman, then support them and pray for them. Alexis de Toqueville once noted that America was great because America was good, but that should America ever cease to be good, she would cease to be great. This, I am sad to say, has come to fruition - we have lost our greatness. The good news is that it can be restored, but it will take men and women of strength and courage to make it so again. If we regain this formula for greatness, then I am convinced that God will restore our nation.

 

The only question is are there enough men and women of strength and courage to do the job?

 

There can be, but it will have to start with you. Do you have strength and courage? If so, it is time to lead!

 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9, NIV 

 

Today is the first day of the 30 day challenge to read through the books of the champions and the kings. These readings will take you from Joshua through II Chronicles, and today's readings begins it all with Joshua chapters 1-8. May God richly bless you with the courage and strength that you need to serve He and Christ in the way that they deserve to be served!