Article By: Bryan Sampson
Take a moment and imagine yourself being an Israelite. You just wandered the desert for 40 years. Your feet hurt, your lips are dry, and you long for the land of milk and honey you have heard so much about. Then you get word; it is time. It is time that for you, as a people to possess the promise land. Everything inside of you jumps with joy, as energy pulsates through your body, your heart starts pounding, your feet stop hurting and you run to your leader Moses and ask what are we going to do!? He explains to you that you are now the leader of the people as he goes off to die. Charged with the order to bring your people into the precious promise land you begin to wonder how you even begin this journey. What do you do? How do you begin? The LORD has commanded you to be strong and courageous, but what about all of the uncertainty?
These are questions we can find in our day-to-day lives frequently. How do we start…? What about…? If this happens then… It can go on and on. Uncertainty has the ability to paralyze a person. It can also shatter progress and growth, preventing essential changes from taking place. As a next generation leader, we cannot allow this to happen. In these times of uncertainty clarity is paramount. Stanley states, “If you are unable or unwilling to be clear when things are not certain, you are not ready to assume further leadership responsibilities” (Stanley, 2003, p.91).
So, how did Joshua respond with the uncertainties they faced? Joshua was clear “prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to begin to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.” (Josh 1:10-11).
People – “But what about the river? How are we going to cross it?”
Joshua – “I’m not sure, be ready to leave in three days.”
People – “What are we going to do when we get across?”
Joshua – “I’ll tell you when we get there, just be ready in three days to move out”
Today I challenge you to be crystal clear with the vision and purpose God has for your role and ministry with those you are leading. Communicate in a way that shows confidence. Don’t allow uncertainty to prevent you from being clear and taking a chance. Allow it to be the opportunity for greater levels of trust and commitment to form. Remember what Stanley (2003) says, “People will follow you if you’re wrong. They will not follow you if you’re unclear” (p.89).
Let us pray for the courage needed to communicate as precise and clear as possible, so those who follow will not be lead astray and we will achieve the purpose God has set out for us to possess.