Lead Strong: Leadership Lessons From The Bible - Part 1Sample

Leaders Are Brave

When I think about bravery, I think about my seven-year-old little girl undergoing four surgeries over the past several years trying to correct her clubbed feet that she was born with. When I think about bravery in leadership, I think about vulnerability. Allowing others into our lives and sharing our stories. The good, the bad and the ugly of those store the message of hope, healing and happiness.

As I read 1 Samuel 16-17, I saw David using his life experiences to be brave and bold in the midst of fear. It is amazing to me that God chose a shepherd boy to be king. Before that would even happen, He would use David on the battlefield with Goliath. David was not a trained soldier. He was just a boy who was obedient at the job set before him.

I don't know about you, but sometimes the daily tasks of my life feel stressful, mundane and useless. However, when I read this passage, I realized it was the very day-to-day tasks that had prepared David for the biggest moment of his life to date: the moment to slay Goliath. I still sit in awe at the fact that David didn't need or want the soldiers' armor. He was confident in his ability because of his past experiences, his personal journey, and his confidence in knowing God was on His side.

So all of this child rearing, doctor appointment toting, cleaning and life leading, will it be used? Yes! That's exactly what happened with David. It was his flock-tending skills that sleighed a giant and caused the soldiers to stand in awe.

Being brave in leadership is often a product of simply being obedient with today. As we walk out the calling on our lives, God is preparing us for the battles that lie ahead. We can face each day with bravery knowing God has walked ahead of us. He has been equipping us for years for the very situations we are facing.

Bravery is a beautiful leadership quality when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and used by God. Vulnerability starts with Him. Learning to lean in and listen to God's guidance as we lead is key. We can be brave knowing that our experiences will help others along the way.

By Jackie Brewster