What Leaders Do

Leaders rally people to go places in their lives they would never go on their own. Perhaps they would have never thought about going there or been willing to go by themselves.

Isaiah 42 is a prophetic chapter about Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Even though ultimately about Jesus, it does share some powerful truths for any leader. God can teach us more about leadership than anyone else and He knows all about the future! Isaiah 42:16 says,

“I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.”

Think with me about this passage.

Think about what God does for Us

Personally, this is what God does for us through Jesus Christ. Jesus takes us to places that we would never go on our own. They are uncharted waters in our lives. In those moments of uncertainty, Jesus shows up and works in our lives miraculously. He does it not only in salvation, but again and again. Once He is there, He is there forever. Leaving His children is something God never thinks about.

Think about what Leaders do for Others

When you lead toward the future, you are doing for people what God does for you. You take people into experiences, dreams, and visions that they would have never seen on their own. And, at times, places where few have gone. In these historic risks of faith, God shows up and moves miraculously. He does it not only once, but again and again. As you lead, you realize one of the most powerful things about leadership: God is with you.

A Personal Testimony

I have been a local church pastor for over three decades. In fact, I have been leading the same church for over twenty-five years. I could name so many experiences and dreams I have been privileged to lead our people through in “Reaching Northwest Arkansas, America, and the World.” Yes, some of them have been challenging. But every time, God has been there with us, showing Himself strong again and again. My heart is full of praise even as I reflect on these experiences, because of the way He has worked among us.

A Final Charge

When you lead others, do not let your fear stop you. Do not permit the unknown to become your master. God is with you, so act like it. Lead like it. Live like it. Pray like it. Lead them where they have never been and know that He is with you.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd