Driving by Successes

I am feeling really good right now! And I was feeling pretty good when I began my devotional time, so I started off with an upbeat song: "Greater," by MercyMe.

"There'll be days I lose the battle; grace says that it doesn't matter, 'cause the cross already won the war! He's greater! He's greater! I am learning to run freely, understanding just how He sees me, and it makes me love Him more and more! He's greater! He's greater! 'Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed when others say I'll never be enough. And greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world!"

The central verse for tonight is Joshua 4:6-7: "'In the future, when your children ask you, "What do these stones mean?" tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.'" (NIV)

Using Joshua as an example, Maxwell notes that, "Effective leaders look for ways to use the successes of today to empower their people for the challenges of tomorrow." Joshua did that, following God's guidance, as he reminded the Israelites of the successes God brought about for them.

We need to provide solid evidence of what our teams have done successfully so as to help drive our followers forward in hope. This is especially helpful in times of failure and complacency. We must enable our teams to see and remember what they are capable of so that they move forward with courage and confidence rather than in fear and doubt. We should remind them that, "'With God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:26, NIV) God is the Ultimate Leader! "Good leaders always provide 'handles' to enable their people to grab hold of the vision," Maxwell says.

The reflection question for tonight asks: "How do you maintain the balance between reminders of both past victories and future vision?" I honestly could not think of anything. That happens sometimes. In such moments, we should ask God to show us how to do things. I asked God to help me with that and to show me ways to show that. Even a simple prayer such as that can have great impact!

God bless you!