Chosen to Lead

As Easter approaches, I remember, as a young girl Easter included getting a new outfit, attending church as a family, lunch at my grandparents and few other secular traditions. The day would almost always conclude gathered around our “one” TV to watch “The Ten Commandments”.  My guess is you too have seen Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 Technicolor biblical epic many times.

In this movie, our leading man seemed anything but eager to lead. And should we take the more spiritual approach, we can read in Exodus 3:11 where Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go?” Our humble brother Moses seems overwhelmed with the task of representing God and, with his personal insufficiency, questions God’s invitation to lead.  Can you relate to Moses?

Think back to your childhood.  Do you remember when the teacher asked "Who wants to clean the chalkboard?" or "Who wants to be the line leader?" All the kids would jump up and raise their hands while yelling out in one accord, "Me! Me! Pick me!” Then the teacher would carefully choose someone and the chosen child would beam with pride as they fulfilled their role with great eagerness.

Children, when given a chance to lead in any capacity, don’t stop to think how long the act of service will last. There is no concern about what will be required or what they could miss out on by being chosen. I can only imagine that God wishes we would be a little more like school children when He asks us to be the leader.  

As an adult, have you ever questioned God’s invitation to lead? My Pastor once said, “Our God is famous for His ability to take flawed and fallen people and redeem them for noble and eternal purposes.” Today, you may feel ill-equipped for service to God, but in His sovereignty He uses unlikely people, people like Moses, as well as you and me.  Trust God to work in your life when things are ideal and when your life seems to be undeserving of the work and call of God.  Step out in faithfully relying on God, and not on your own assessments of your abilities. Remember, "You can do everything through Christ.” (Philippians 4:13)

When God calls you into service, trust Him to lead and guide you. Be a wise steward of the opportunity that he has given you. Leadership is a calling one usually would not choose.  It is reassuring to know He chooses and appoints us (John 15:16). My guess is God would love for us to respond by saying, "Me, Me, Pick me!”  And then depend on His strength and sovereignty to lead as He directs.   

—Julie Wages, ProvenWay Ministries, Director

Julie is warm and personable author and speaker who is passionate about encouraging and equipping others to live out their calling and to share their story.  She serves as the Director of Ministries for ProvenWay, a ministry founded to lead the way for women of influence.  To hear Julie speak, along with many other dynamic presenters plan to attend the 2011 ProvenWay Leaders Retreat on July 29-30, @ The Hope Center in Plano Texas.  For more info on Julie, ProvenWay Ministries and the 2011 Leaders  Retreat visit www.provenway.org