The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1
The times demand courageous Kingdom leaders who fear nothing other than failing to please the Lord God Almighty. Below are several more considerations as you face challenges that call for bold, courageous leadership decisions.
1. Be very courageous when God goes with you into a situation (He always does), asks you to do something, and promises to care for you (Genesis 22:1-12, 46:3, Exodus 14:13, Numbers 14:6-9, 21:34, Joshua 1:1-9, 8:1, 10:25, Acts 4:1-31, 5:27-32, 23:11, 27:21-25).
This type of courage seems to be related to trusting in God’s guidance and provision (Isaiah 28:16). It results from spending time with the Lord (Acts 4:13) and often requires obedience on our part (1 Chronicles 22:13).
2. People want to follow a courageous leader (Joshua 1:18, Ezra 10:1-5).
3. People lose courage when they know God is working against them (Joshua 2:9-11, 5:1, 1 Samuel 4:5-7, 18:12-15, 28-29, Nehemiah 6:15-16). Then those who God is working with can gain courage (Judges 7:10-11).
4. It is very important to stimulate one another in courage (Ezra 10:1-5, Colossians 3:21). Notice the encouragement patterns between God, Moses, Joshua and Israel (Numbers 13-14, Deuteronomy 31:6, 23, Joshua 1:6-9, 18, 10:25).
5. Courage involves being willing to rebuke people, especially those in high places
(2 Samuel 12:1-14, 2 Chronicles 26:16-18, Matthew 3:7-12, 14:3-4, Luke 3:7-20).
6. Courage also involves taking a stand for integrity and doing what is right, not easy or convenient (Deuteronomy 1:17, John 9:22).
7. Courage involves putting one’s relationship with God above all else (Daniel 3:16-18, John 11:16).
8. Lack of courage can lead to sin (Genesis 18:15, 26:7, 1 Samuel 15:24).
9. We can gain courage by looking at what God has done for us in the past (Deuteronomy 7:18).
10. Making a commitment to someone or something can give a person courage to persevere and complete the task (Ruth 1:16-18, 2:2, 3:5).
11. Courage is needed to take risks on behalf of others (Exodus 2:1-4, Joshua 2:1-6, Esther 4:12-16, 7:3-4, 8:3-6).
It’s time to take a ‘courage inventory’ regarding the leadership situations you find yourself facing today. What courageous act is God asking of you? Trust Him – He will never leave you!