ABC's of Leadership: Courage

1 Chr 22:11-13

After spending 27 years in prison for opposing South Africa’s apartheid system, Nelson Mandela at age 77, became Africa’s first black president. He once noted that “courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Let’s be honest, there are many things in life that tempt us to fear. Some fears develop after a traumatic experience such as an adult who was attacked by a dog as a child, might fear dogs.

A survivor of physical or mental abuse might fear deep relationships. And someone who has endured public humiliation from their peers while trying their best at something, may fear failure.

And that’s problematic because fear can be paralyzing. Fear can keep us from moving forward, becoming better, and achieving the great work we were gifted to bring to this earth.

Fear makes us assume the worst outcomes and fear convinces us that success is out of our reach. This is why dreams don’t become realities. It is why ideas fill the graveyards and fear is why our world suffers so many perpetual ills. We don’t build because we fear we won’t succeed.

There was once a king whose name was David. When we read his biography we discover that King David was quite a fearless man, even in his youth. King David was a shepherd who would fight anyone or any thing in order to succeed in the work assigned to him.

The record shows that he defended his father’s sheep against a lion and a bear, killed a seasoned warrior with a rock and sling shot, and throughout his tenure as King of Israel, David fought and won many battles and experienced great success.

With this understood, and the fact that he also had his share of failures in life, the king is worthy of sharing the following advice to his son as he prepares him to take lead over the kingdom. Here’s what he tells the young prince.

1 Chr 22:11-13

1 Chronicles 22:11–13 NIV

11 “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as he said you would. 12 May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

With this advise in tow, King David equips his son, Prince Solomon with the tools he needs to continue building the kingdom, but most importantly, the place where God’s presence could be felt more permanently amongst the people.

I believe wholeheartedly that as children of the King of Kings, there is within each of us, an assignment to build something that manifests the glory of God.

Therefore, I want to highlight six things that will guarantee your success.

Go with God — Go with God. that means paying attention to what God is doing on the earth and get involved in that. (Pro 16:9)

Proverbs 16:9 NIV

9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Expect Success — never jump into a fight that you don’t plan to win. See yourself victorious. — (Pro 2:7)

Proverbs 2:7 NIV

7 He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

Remember God’s Promises — There are certainly promises God made to certain people, but there are also promises made by principle that cross over to you and I. (You reap what you sow) — (Deuteronomy 26:16-19)

Deuteronomy 26:16–19 NIV

16 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him. 18 And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.

Always seek God’s direction. Our heavenly Father looks down from heaven and through time with a panoramic view. Our vision is limited and therefore, it’s in our best interest to ask for guidance from heaven.(Ps 119:105)

Psalm 119:105 NIV

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Do it God’s Way! He guarantees his work. If there was a golden star for methodologies, bet everything on God. — (Mt 6:10)

Matthew 6:10 NIV

10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Be strong and courageous. God just might assign you to do what no man has done before. Or maybe he will use you to take a good thing and make it great. Or a great thing and make it greater. That’s a scary place to be but with God it can be done. You only need to be strong and courageous.— (Joshua 1:6)

Joshua 1:6 NIV

6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

Ladies and gentlemen, your people need you to stand up and lead. They are counting on you to make a difference in your community. But in order to do so you must be willing to do what others are not. To go where others won’t. To say what others are afraid to say. To lead with conviction and with courage.