The Confidence of a Leader

God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.”

Exodus 3:12

In yesterday’s post, I reflected on Moses’ hesitation when God sent him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. I wondered if, considering the proposal of Robert McKenna in Dying to Lead, a certain kind of reluctance can be helpful for a leader. Just consider how this scene would have been different if Moses had responded, “Sure, God. I’m your man. I can handle it. I have years of experience in Pharaoh’s household. Free your people from Israel, no problem!” Would someone with such abundant self-confidence been right for the job? I doubt it.

In fact, if our reluctance to lead comes for a realistic sense of our own limitations and from a genuine recognition of the heavy responsibility of leadership, then our hesitation positions us perfectly to have healthy confidence as a leader. Thus when Moses said, “Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” (v. 11), God didn’t answer by reciting a list of Moses’ abilities and accomplishments. In fact, God didn’t answer Moses’ question directly at all. Rather, God said, “I will be with you.” The amplified version of this statement might read, “Actually, Moses, you aren’t much. You’re right to think there’s no way you could confront Pharaoh and set my people free. But I will be with you, and that’s what really matters.”

The proper confidence of a leader stems, not from a reliance on one’s own abilities, but from a conscious dependence on God. If God is with us when we’re called upon to lead, then anything is possible. This sort of confidence is wonderfully expressed in Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (4:13). The emphasis in this verse belongs not on “I can do everything,” but on “through Christ.” Here is ultimate, wise, humble, bold confidence. Here is the confidence of a true leader.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have you ever experienced reluctance that brought you to a deeper trust in God? How does God help you in your leadership?

PRAYER: Gracious Lord, there is little more valuable in all of life than your promise “I will be with you.” Even as you once spoke to Moses, so you speak to me through your Word and by your Spirit. You’re asking me to trust you, to put my life in your hands, to let my leadership be an expression of your sovereignty.

If you are with me, Lord, then I cannot fail. Oh, to be sure, events might not turn out as I’d like them to. But when you’re with me, when I’m walking with you, everything in life works out according to your purpose.

So, I ask today, dear Lord, for the ability to be aware of your presence. You are with me . . . may I sense you and “see” you so that I might follow you. Lead through me, Lord, so that I might fulfill your purpose for my life. In the name of Jesus, who promised always to be with us, Amen!