Ever feel weak-kneed when it comes to leadership?  Afraid, timid?  Wonder if it makes any difference?

As a counter to that very temptation, the Lord charged Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.“  (Josh 1:6)

Recently I was hit with a wave of timidity, wondering, “Can I really make any difference in people’s lives?  Should I just quit?  Why is leadership so frightening, at times?”  Obviously this was not an invigorating “wave” to be hit with.  But then I read Joshua yesterday and thought of the application:  today in the NT era, all disciples of Jesus are in one way or another called to help others grab hold of the inheritance in heaven that Jesus offers:  first, eternal life;  then, all the blessings and rewards that he promises.   And someone has to lead them to find all this and to go deeper with God.  So the Lord charges me as a disciple, husband, dad, friend and pastor to be strong and courageous;  to go lead others to grab hold of the inheritance Jesus promises.  Like Joshua, I can make a difference.  And I must make a difference.  So by his power, I will stop being lazy or faint-hearted or self-centered or…. (fill in your own favorite sin)… and lead the people.

Be strong and courageous.  You…you… will lead these people to inherit the land.