In what ways can we seek God's presence in our leadership roles today? Foundation verse Joshua 6:27: “So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.” Why this matters for modern leaders The verse is brief, yet it captures a timeless pattern: when God is tangibly “with” a leader, ordinary efforts yield extraordinary influence. Our calling is different from Joshua’s military assignment, yet the principle is identical—we need God’s active presence, not merely His approval from a distance. Pursuing God’s presence: practical steps • Build on Scripture first – Joshua was told earlier, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth” (Joshua 1:8, excerpt). – Regular, immersive Bible reading keeps our hearts aligned with God’s heart. • Stay prayer-saturated – Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, excerpt). – Lead meetings, decisions, and crises with whispered dependence, not rushed self-reliance. • Choose immediate obedience – Marching around Jericho looked odd, yet Joshua obeyed without delay. – Prompt obedience invites God’s nearness; delayed obedience breeds distance. • Trust God’s prior presence in the unknown – “The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you” (Deuteronomy 31:8, excerpt). – Step into new roles believing He is already there, preparing hearts and outcomes. • Cultivate humility and servant-heartedness – “David was successful in all his ways, for the LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14). David’s success flowed from a shepherd’s humility. – Reject self-promotion; embrace God-promotion. Influence will follow. • Invite corporate worship – Before Jericho’s walls fell, the ark (symbol of God’s presence) led the procession. – Keep worship central in teams and organizations—songs, testimonies, gratitude moments. • Surround yourself with godly voices – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22, excerpt). – Seek mentors who fear God more than they admire you. • Practice stillness amid pressure – “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, excerpt). – Schedule rhythm-stopping pauses: silence on a commute, device-free lunches, short retreats. Evidence of His presence • Clear guidance (Proverbs 3:6, excerpt: “He will make your paths straight”). • Courage to take counter-cultural stands. • Unity among those you lead. • Fruit that outlasts your tenure—lives changed, not just tasks completed. When we pursue God’s presence the way Joshua did—Word-anchored, prayer-filled, and obedience-driven—we can expect the same outcome: the LORD will be with us, and His fame, not ours, will spread through every sphere we influence. |
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