How can we seek God's guidance when assuming leadership roles today? Setting the Scene with Judges 11:11 “So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their head and commander, and Jephthah repeated all his terms in the presence of the LORD at Mizpah.” Jephthah steps into leadership by gathering with the elders, confirming commitments publicly, and—most importantly—placing the entire arrangement before the LORD. That pattern still lights the path for anyone accepting responsibility today. Starting Where Jephthah Started: Present Everything to God • Public acknowledgment: Jephthah “repeated all his terms in the presence of the LORD.” Before we accept a role, we openly yield the whole process to God’s oversight. • Parallel passages: – Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…” – 1 Samuel 23:2: David “inquired of the LORD” before military decisions. Application: Write or verbalize your responsibilities to the Lord—just as honestly and completely as Jephthah did. Seek Confirmation through God’s Word • Scripture remains the chief voice of guidance (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Ask: Does this opportunity align with biblical qualifications for leadership? – 1 Timothy 3:1–7 highlights character over charisma. – Titus 1:7–9 reinforces blamelessness and sound doctrine. If any part of the role contradicts God’s revealed standards, that’s a divine red flag. Rely on Wisdom through Prayerful Inquiry • James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…” • Jephthah’s first recorded move is conversation with the elders, showing relational humility alongside prayer. Practical step: Form a small circle of mature believers who will pray with—and speak truth to—you about the decision. Embrace the Community God Provides • Jephthah “went with the elders of Gilead”—he didn’t seize leadership alone. • Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 underscores the safety of partnership. Modern takeaway: Invite church leadership, peers, and those you will lead to speak into plans early. Commit to Ongoing Dependence, Not One-Time Consultation • Exodus 33:15: Moses said, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” • Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” Leadership is a marathon of moment-by-moment reliance; start that habit before day one. Expect God to Confirm through Circumstances and Peace • Colossians 3:15 speaks of the peace of Christ acting as an umpire in our hearts. • Acts 16:6–10 shows God both closing and opening doors for Paul’s team. Watch for consistent alignment among Scripture, wise counsel, personal gifting, and God-given peace. Lead from a Posture of Servanthood • Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Hearing and following Christ means adopting His servant nature, not merely holding a title. A Simple Checklist before You Step Forward 1. Have I laid every detail “in the presence of the LORD”? 2. Does the role meet biblical qualifications? 3. Have I sought wisdom through prayer and counsel? 4. Is there unity among those affected? 5. Do Scripture, circumstances, and the Spirit’s peace align? 6. Am I prepared to lead as a servant, continually dependent on God? Answering yes across this grid echoes Jephthah’s informed, God-centered acceptance in Judges 11:11—and positions any modern servant-leader to walk securely under the Lord’s guidance. |
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