After praying to God about studying one book in particular (I didn't have one in mind at the time), I asked Him to help me choose one to study. He led me to Joshua. And Joshua is a great book for leaders to study, as the man was indeed a leader, and one that we can model ourselves after.
First of all, Joshua's call to leadership came straight from the Lord Himself. In the second part of verse 5, the Lord tells Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6-8 also backs up that claim that the Lord is always with us. No matter what God has called you to, it should be comforting to know that you're not in it alone! And for leaders, while we are called to lead others, we must also submit to God, whom John C. Maxwell calls The Ultimate Leader.
What does it take to be a leader? One thing is courage. Joshua 1:9 says, "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." Further confirmation of this teaching can be found in Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:7-8, and Jeremiah 1:8. The band Casting Crowns reiterates, "We were made to be courageous! We were made to lead the way!" ("Courageous") God has called us not to worrisome leadership, but to courageous leadership! He is with us! Why should we be afraid?
Furthermore, not only did God tell Joshua to take courage, but his followers continued the call, telling him, at the end of verse 18, "Only be strong and courageous!" Under Joshua's leadership, the nation of Israel was pointed toward God and followed Him. Where does your leadership take your followers? Do you point them to a Godly life?
As you take on new endeavors, whether they involve leadership or not, take note of what the Life Application Study Bible has to say: "Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he is with us as we face our new challenges. By asking God to direct us we can conquer many of life's challenges." Don't cower back and say that you are incapable or that you do not have what it takes. Remember, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12)
No matter what you face, trust God to lead you. Say to yourself, "Greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world!" (That comes from MercyMe's song "Greater.")
Ask God to give you the faith and the courage that Joshua had so that you can be a great leader for God! No matter what, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Pray this simple prayer: "God, please lead me so that I can lead others. In Jesus' Name. Amen!" The first part of the Serenity prayer may also help if you are facing difficulties: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
God bless you!
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