Saturday, October 10, 2015

Joshua, Chapter 8, Verse 1

The LORD then said to Joshua: Do not be afraid or dismayed. Take all the army with you and prepare to attack Ai.I have delivered the king of Ai into your power, with his people, city, and land.

Joshua was afraid and demoralized because on the Israelites first attempt at taking Ai they were defeated. God here tells Joshua to be cheerful and be filled with calm; be reassured.

John Maxwell, noted author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Series states that all Christian leaders need to learn the proper balance between faith and preparation or planning. Joshua is told by God what to do but not how to do it.[1] Joshua planned the particulars of the campaign against the Ai.

Law#4-The Law of Navigation: Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. To make it happen, you have to take action. You must do what you know needs doing. You must do it when it needs to be done. Don’t wait. You can make it happen. Knowing how is not the key. Taking action is.

Where should you start?

1. Follow your conscience. What do you feel you should do? What do you want to do?

2. Consider your passion. What do you get excited about? What do you need to do?

3. Consider your natural talents. What are you naturally good at without much effort? What hobbies do you have? What interests do you have

4. Consider what society needs and values. What do you love to do so much you would do it for free, but people are willing to pay others to do? What do you see others doing that you would like to do?

If you want to find your purpose, you must get on the seldom traveled road to significance filled with setbacks, roadblocks, obstacles, and detours. This road leads to your purpose. You must develop the vision in order to see where you want to be next. Then, you must take the steps to move from where you are to where you want to be. You should always be grateful for where you are and what you have, but you should never be satisfied.[2]

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. (Lk. 11:28)

[1] John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible.

[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141120221705-25477363-the-law-of-navigation-it-s-all-about-knowing-where-you-re-going