Everyone Is Leading SomeoneSample

Bit By Bit

Guidance comes to the leader who spends one-on-one time with God—but it seldom comes all at once. New challenges arise daily, so guidance is required daily as well. God gave Moses daily signs to lead His people. A cloud led the Israelites on their wilderness journey by day, and a pillar of fire by night. Every morning, they received manna—new food that miraculously appeared, lying on the ground, waiting to be collected. God often shows His will to His leaders bit by bit. Knowing the destination God has in mind gives the leader and His followers greater security, but every step on the path is seldom clear.

We want it all at once, but God wants to reveal His will step by step in subsequent times of meeting. We are told He spoke with Moses as with a friend. The beauty of the New Testament is that as a result of our salvation and new life in Christ, we are His friends as well.

Jesus calls us friends and desires to guide us as we follow Him. Can you see the trail He is marking for you? Are you following Him, or leading from your own “best guesses”? Spend time today with God. Convene with Him in your own tent of meeting, and seek to hear His voice. Live differently and seek God daily for yourself. Ask Him the tough questions. Look to Him for answers. The direction you desire will come as you seek Him. Your family and followers will be grateful for your efforts.

Because I believe this so strongly, the first Thursday of each month I fast and pray alone at a retreat center. I consider it essential to my leadership role that I carve out extended time to be with the Lord and seek His will for our church family. It is a tent-of-meeting time for two—Him and me. I will gladly boast in my weakness and say that I am not a strong enough leader to simply check in with God once or twice a day. I need more than that. I need entire days spent alone with Him without the distraction of food or appointments or messages. Why not try a day away with Him as a leader who is a parent or spouse or businessperson, and see if the next steps on the road do not become clear to you.