Dear People Who Keep Company With God,

I have been in leadership either in the church or the business arena for over 30 years now. Before I became a full-time pastor, I worked in the engineering and construction industry. I was a Senior Engineer, responsible for the engineering and design budget and schedule for multi-million dollar projects. I had 70 engineers and designers working under my leadership.

leadership essentials photoIt could have been a nightmare job except I had God’s favor surrounding me like a shield (Ps. 5:12) and I thrived. I did so well that the day I gave my resignation to fulfill my dream of becoming a full-time pastor, my boss offered me a tempting promotion and salary increase to stay. All glory to God for it was truly His favor that gave me success.

I have learned, regardless of what arena of life God has placed you in, an important part of seeing your dreams come true, achieving your goals and general success cannot happen apart from possessing the ability to lead. It is important that we not only be able to lead others, but also ourselves.

A few years ago, my leadership ability was tested to its limits. There were days that I did not think I was going to make it, but by the grace of God I did. If you ask me today, “What does it take to be a good leader?” There are many qualities we need to be a good leader, but I found 4 that are musts or you will not be able to make it when the fire shows up at your doorstep. Joshua is a remarkable example of these qualities.

1. Calling

If God has not called you to be in a place of leadership, you are doomed to fail. I mentioned I was successful in the engineering world because of favor. We all have favor as sons, but there is also a favor that comes with a God-given assignment. The Lord’s calling for Joshua to take Moses’s place as the leader of Israel was very clearly stated to him on more than one occasion (Josh. 1).

2. Preparation

For forty years, Joshua served under Moses in the wilderness. He was known as “Moses’ assistant”, “his servant” (Ex. 24:13; 33:11). That was his season of preparation. Joshua could always be found lingering in God’s presence at the Tent of Meeting after he and Moses met with God (Ex. 33:10). Nothing can accelerate you into your destiny and assignment faster than being in the Presence of the greatest leader there is – Jesus (Acts 4:13).

3. Courage

Courage is that quality of mind and spirit that enables us to face danger, fear, and unexpected changes. When Moses sent the spies to check out the land ten of the twelve gave a bad report because of fear (Num. 13:25-29, 31-33). Despite the “peer pressure” he must have felt, Joshua, along with Caleb, demonstrated great courage in their report (Num. 14:6-10). When Joshua took over leading the nation, the Lord and the people told Joshua over and over, “Be strong and courageous” (Josh. 1-2). You can’t lead without courage.

4. Confidence

Courage works hand in hand with confidence. When God told Joshua to be “strong and courageous”, it could be translated “confident and courageous.” Confidence is about the trust, faith, or assurance we have in our God-given gifts and abilities. Without confidence, your faith will not work. Joshua’s time spent in the Presence of the Lord developed the confidence to receive strategies directly from God for leadership and battle, which were crucial to the survival of a nation.

Many Blessings, BW

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