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leading isn't for cowards

Nehemiah 9:32 (NLT) --- "And now, our God, the great and mighty and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of unfailing love, do not let all the hardships we have suffered seem insignificant to you. Great trouble has come upon us and upon our kings andleaders and priests and prophets and ancestors—all of your people—from the days when the kings of Assyria first triumphed over us until now. 

Leading isn't easy, but it is a real blessing.  In the last 3 days I have had some awesome conversations and some tough conversations.  Yet each one reminded me of the responsibility that I have to the people I connect with.  What is that responsibility?

Leading people means I have to be honest.  Share the truth with confidence.  Be open with who I am and where God has brought me from.

Leading people means I have to be clear.  There are times and situations that need to be uncovered, discussed and more.  When I beat around the bush or leave out things, I am not leading people as I can and as I must.  That means deal with sin.  That means confront relationships (which is hard for me).  That means allowing God to use the pain and hurt that I have been through to help others.

Leading people means I have to spend time with God.  God said that and desires time with us.  That means Satan is going to do his best to keep our attention away from God.  We have to guard that time, plan that time and follow through with that time.  Often we are so busy that we miss God and what He is doing.  Be honest about that time.  Are you spending it with Him?

Leading isn't for cowards.  In the verse above one of my heroes, Nehemiah, prays to God about the situation of the people.  It is a tough time, but it is a time that God knows about, cares about and is willing to work through.  

As a leader, remind people of what God said and about His promises.  As a leader, deal honesty with the pain you and others are dealing with.  As a leader, celebrate who God is and what He is doing.

Because Nehemiah was not a coward, the people around Him experienced God and great victory.  I close with a question for you and for me ... what victories and what experiences am I keeping myself and others from because I am not leading the way God intended?  Leading isn't for cowards.  Remember that as you spend time with the people around you.

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