Jesus Style Leadership 3 - Crop & FaithSample

The Discomfort of Faith

Leadership Lesson

Living by faith has its challenges, especially for Jesus-style leaders.

Read Hebrews 11:23–28.

Comment

Moses had a very comfortable and privileged early life. Growing up in the Pharaoh’s household, he had everything the Egyptian world had to offer—wealth, pleasure, opportunities, and power. But he was not satisfied. Moses heard God’s call to abandon this lifestyle. He discarded titles and riches and risked ridicule, rejection, and even death in order to follow God’s call to save his people. There were times when it looked like all his dreams had crumbled into the dust and none of God’s promises would be fulfilled. As you trust God, you will often face setbacks. You might think that if you hear and obey God, everything will work out well. This is not so, as Moses found out. It’s challenging to live by faith. Sometimes it's difficult to see what God is doing. Sometimes things feel like they’re going backward. Sometimes the opposition grows. But Moses is commended for his faith. He persevered despite the challenges. He focused on God’s promises and reward (11:26) and didn’t let the setbacks dent his trust in God. The result of his faith was a powerful, miraculous move of God, but there was a personal cost. There usually is.

Prayer

Lord, I know that You will ask me to do things that I will find difficult and demanding. I will face pressure and disappointment as I trust You and wait for You. To be honest, I wish there was an easier way. But my faith tells me that the fight is worth it. So I’m saying that I will listen, obey, and hold on to Your promises until they are fulfilled.

Personal Reflection

Have you already experienced the challenge of living by faith as a Jesus-style leader? What has gone wrong? What has not worked out as you hoped or planned? Where have you found it difficult as you followed God’s call? When have you faced rejection? Take a moment to reflect and tell God that you will continue to believe.