January 18, 2001
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said,
"If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." Ex 13:17
I was thinking a lot about many different aspects leadership today. I've come to the realization that it's a difficult job especially if you strive to do it well. It's not easy to lead people, any group in any size for any amount of time. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to meet all the needs at one time. God took on a great deal in choosing to lead his people out of Egypt and for all time. For those who lead in any capacity the definition is very challenging...
to SHOW the way by going in advance
to GUIDE or DIRECT on a course
to SERVE as a ROUTE for
to be a CHANNEL or CONDUIT for
to GUIDE the behavior or opinion of
to DIRECT the performance or activities of
to INSPIRE the conduct of
to play a PRINCIPAL or GUIDING role in
to GUIDE as in dancing
God, of course does all this perfectly... he has, and always does meet his people where they are..he takes them to higher ground, a better place but always keeping them in mind. He could have insisted that the Israelite's trust him, after all he just freed them from slavery in Egypt!! But, He is aware of every one of us, what our strengths and weaknesses are and he leads us on but always at a pace we can handle with the goal of making us victorious. I know I fall short all the time... can't see all the needs or meet them, sometimes I'm too lazy or selfish to do it and sometimes I just get in my own way... but it's encouraging to have a perfect example to follow and learn from.