A story is told of a missionary who ended up shipwrecked on a remote island where the natives nursed him back to health. For the next twenty years he lived among them. When they were sick he cared for them. When they were hungry he taught them how to grow food. When they were lonely he kept them company. When they were wronged he defended them. Later when other missionaries came and talked about Jesus, the islanders insisted that Jesus was already living among them. When the new missionaries were introduced to “Jesus” they discovered that it was none other than their old friend they thought was dead. I love this story. It really does raise the bar for us and sets a great example for us live by.
Similarly, in this life, it requires tremendous faith to rise and be counted for God if we're going to lead people and accomplish something great. Somehow God calls us as leaders to have faith in Him and His purposes, His timing, His leading and His calling. Two of the main ingredients God is looking for, in leaders, are faith and humility. They sound like opposites but they're not. Humility is simply acknowledging before God that He alone is the Source of all your abilities. Hebrews 11:6 says "without faith it is impossible to please God". God is always "attracted" to people with faith, especially if its bold, humble faith. We read so many accounts of men and women in the Bible who simply believed in God and His ability to save, deliver, heal and conquer. We read of Moses, Abraham, Joshua, Elijah, David, Jeremiah, Ruth, Ezra and many others who had a bold faith in God. However this faith must never be mistaken as arrogance but rather its a faith that is in God, and what He can do. The humility that God requires is not an inferiority complex or a drawing back or a shyness. No its simply an acknowledgement that God is the giver of you gifts, your callings, your abilities and your future.
Try to live with this balance of having bold faith with an underlying humility in God. Trust God that as fruit and success comes your way that you will give Him the glory for it. This is humility. Forget about people who misunderstand your life, your words and your actions. Keep believing and trusting God. Keep speaking words filled with faith. Keep your head up high, a smile on your face and go for it. Lastly, here's a thought: nobody has ever been rebuked by God for having too much faith. God has never said "son, you trusted Me for too much". Go ahead and "make His day" by keep trusting Him.
Happy leading!!
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