A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.com/
I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that, as leaders, our faith journey requires courage and the need to being comfortable with feeling vulnerable – not in the sense that we are not protected or provided for but because of transparency.
As we grow closer to God, we realize that our decisions made in secret will come to light.
This can be a burden and a blessing in that through our example, others can grow; however, the accountability can be great.
We see an example of this accountability with Jonah as the Bible says that the word of the Lord came to Jonah and instructed him:
““Go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim [judgment] against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” [Gen 10:11, 12]”
“But Jonah ran away to Tarshish to escape from the presence of the Lord [and his duty as His prophet]…
Jonah 1:2-3 AMP
Selah
Now many of us, have at one time, felt the same way as Jonah in some area of our lives whether family, health, ministry, or with our community.
Maybe we have even made a similar decision to simply “run away” from the responsibility of our callings for a variety of reasons – all valid in our minds.
So the questions that we must answer are:
“How long will we run and at what cost?”
Are we or do we run because the task seems to great and we don’t feel prepared?
Do we run because we are afraid?
Do we run because we are disobedient or are rejecting our calling/ directive? God forbid!
Regardless of the reason, we must decide in our hearts to “Be Still” and “Stand Strong” in the power of His might.
We must Rise Up oh mighty men of valor !
NOW is the time and NOW is the season to rise up to our greater calling in Christ to do the work that He has called us to do.
Yes, we may feel unskilled for the daunting task but so did Moses. Let him be our example to emulate.
We see with Moses a sense of vulnerability as it relates to leading the children of Israel out of Egypt:
“Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, and then bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?””
Exodus 3:10-11 AMP
At the end of that conversation with God, Moses moved forward with a yes.
We also see an example with Gideon where he felt inadequate and unskilled; yet, at the end of that conversation, the answer was yes.
“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O brave man.”
The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this strength of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?”
But Gideon said to Him, “Please Lord, how am I to rescue Israel? Behold, my family is the least [significant] in Manasseh, and I am the youngest (smallest) in my father’s house.””
Judges 6:12, 14-15 AMP
Selah
Now the contrast comes with Jonah. He had a relationship with God in that the Bible states that he was a prophet. But Jonah’s response was to run – for a season with consequences:
“But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get.”
Jonah 1:3 MSG
We read where Jonah endured many hardships during his season of disobedience.
In conclusion, as leaders, we become tired, weary, confused and maybe even discouraged; but, maturity requires us to grow up.
Leadership will cost us something but the Lord is still faithful towards us.
We will have to deny ourselves and to lay our emotions, feelings, and will at the feet of Jesus as we learn to just trust and obey Him – whole heartedly.
When we do, we will see His glory revealed in our lives!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Be Blessed!
Be a Blessing!
“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim [judgment] against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” [Gen 10:11, 12]
But Jonah ran away to Tarshish to escape from the presence of the Lord [and his duty as His prophet].
He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish [the most remote of the Phoenician trading cities].
So he paid the fare and went down into the ship to go with them to Tarshish away from the presence of the Lord. [Gen 4:16; Job 1:12; 2:7]
But the Lord hurled a great wind toward the sea, and there was a violent tempest on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. [Ps 107:23-27]
Then the men became extremely frightened and said to him, “How could you do this?” For the men knew that he was running from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.”
Jonah 1:1-4, 10 AMP
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