Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 4, 2016
So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Numbers 27:18-19
After 16 years of leading Ministry Ventures, the Lord called me to serve on the National Christian Foundation team. God’s will is what’s best for all parties and I certainly experienced this during my career transition. Over a four year process I discovered the necessity to move on and make room for the success of the other MV team leaders. If I remained in charge the organization could not grow into a more sustainable fee based ministry soon enough. I was our greatest growth constraint. By God’s grace—I made the decision to move on and make more room for success.
Moses led Israel as far as he was capable—God stated clearly that he was not the man to lead the people into the promised land. Instead, the Lord called Joshua—Moses’ apprentice—to be his successor for Israel’s next season of success. Joshua was a gifted leader who experienced the good, the bad and the ugly under Moses’ mentorship, but most of all the younger leader observed the favor of God working through the work of Moses. The leadership transition was respectful to all and honored the Lord. Moses prayerfully laid hands on Joshua, commissioning him publicly.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6).
Do you need to make room for success by moving on? What’s holding you back? The flesh loves to feel wanted and in the process of self absorption drives good people away. Our ego likes to enjoy the prominence of a position that others admire, but when our ambition becomes an idol we miss the blessing of enjoying God’s favor. Better to transition under terms we can prayerfully influence and facilitate than to be forced out because we overstayed our welcome. Humility and faith make room for the success of others and the mission of the enterprise above its own agenda.
Do you need to step up into a more responsible leadership role so the organization can grow to the next level? What’s holding you back? Fear of failure is like a common cold—there is no cure, so use a healthy sense of hesitation as an opportunity to grow your faith in your team and your intimacy with your heavenly Father. Leaders with no fear, risk being a leader whose definition of reality is skewed. Those the Lord calls: He equips with skills, He empowers with wisdom and He encourages with results. Failure is an option for learners. So step up and make room for success!
“David, who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him” (Acts 7:45-47).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am willing to move on to make room for the success of others.
Application: Where is the Lord calling me to step up with more responsibility for the success of the organization’s mission?
Related Readings: 1 Kings 6:1-38; 2 Samuel 7:8-16; Acts 13:1-3;1 Timothy 5:22; 2 Timothy 2:2
Post/Tweet this today: Humility and faith make room for the success of others and the mission of the enterprise above its own agenda. #WisdomHunters #success
Worship Video: 4 minutes – Hillsong: One Thing
Check out Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible for Men. Order now!
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help.
Our free Apple app Our free Android app
© 2016 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
