After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying:  “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel.  Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses…No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.  (Joshua 1:1-3, 5)

Ron Powlus was recruited to Notre Dame in 1993 and was touted by the college football guru, Beano Cook to be the next Heisman trophy winner.  Matter of fact, Cook predicted Powlus would win at least 2-3 Heismans before leaving Notre Dame.  It didn’t happen and the career of Ron Powlus was not notable or exemplary.  Clearly, the potential was not achieved.  Potential can be a heavy weight to carry around! The GOOD NEWS is you don’t have to live up to the expectations of others—however—God requires you that live up to His expectations of you!  Much was expected of Joshua, especially after the legendary Moses died.  It was a seemingly impossible job…look at his obstacles!

• Following the legendary Moses…as every football coach who takes the job at Alabama has learned–there is only one Paul “Bear” Bryant.
• Standing beside Moses is not the same as leading.  His lack of leadership experience is notable.  There is a huge difference between the “front seat” of leadership and the “back seat.
• Moving that many people from point A-to-B was a major logistical experience…so many people…so many needs.

It is important to remember that God’s view of Joshua’s ability was superior to his own.  God really believed in Joshua and He really believes in you! So how are you and I supposed to live up the potential God sees in us? You must live in the present and not in the past. There is nothing Joshua can do about a dead Moses.  That chapter is now closed and though others around you may not let go of the past, your leadership cannot be defined by past experiences.  When Paul writes in Philippians 2, he writes–”…forgetting those things which are behind me…” he could be referring (and probably is) to both good and bad experiences.  It is just as deadly to hang on too long to our successes as it is to hang on to our failures.  Your leadership must transcend the past and be forward in approach.  God has called you for this moment, not a former one.

But, forward movement requires action.  God expects you and me to do something with what He has given us.  Inactivity is annoying to God.  Remember the passive servant who in fear, buried his talent in the ground?  The master called him “wicked” and “unworthy”, and gave his talent to another.  The land of Canaan was promised but God expected the nation to engage in the battle and fight for it. God promised them victory but God was going to require them to engage.  Your leadership must show action. Give God something to help you with.  Pray and seek direction and then press ahead without fear, knowing the Lord is before you to enable your success!

The forward action of our leadership will likely bring moments of doubt and fear.  It is notable that four times in chapter 1 of Joshua, God reminds to be ”strong and courageous!” God knows the task of your leadership is larger than you are and will require more than you have to give.  He promises His grace and strength and will help you.  Affirm the presence of God in all your circumstances because the ”Lord, your God is with you wherever you may go!” Ultimately, this is not about you or me.  It is God who owns the world, our circumstances, the ministries we have and all that is.  So, we can rely fully on His power to get the job done and know His promise is true–”no man can stand against you.” You did not get to this point on your own and it is clear you will not get from this place without Him.  Trust in the Lord, allow Him to give you peace about the assignment.  You are correct to assume without Him you will fail.  However, remember Paul’s admonition ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Anticipate!
Bishop Bill

Link to Forward Leadership Blog

Link to the Northern Ohio COG Blog

Bishop Bill Isaacs has proved to be a great friend to me! He has supported me on my two missions trips to Africa and joined me on my last trip to Uganda & D.R. Congo. He continues to be one of a few people that I know that I can always call upon and depend upon him to be there.

“Bishop Bill” came to Louisiana six years ago as a “novice” Administrative Bishop. That only meant that he had never held the office (officially) before. As a result of that, he told me and all the other ministers of this state… Read the rest of this entry »