Day 2: Leadership

The Presence of God Prayer Series: Leadership
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
This word was given to Joshua when he was being commissioned as the new leader over Israel. Before Joshua does anything in his newly appointed role the Lord speaks with him. He tells Joshua:

1. Go where I send you—I'll give you the land I promised.  
2. No one will be able to stand against you! 
3. I will not leave you! 
4. Be strong and courageous 
5. You will be used to lead people into what I’ve promised them too 
6. Meditate (chew on) and obey my commandments—don't get distracted from them because my commandments are good and will prosper you.  
7. Do not be frightened or dismayed!  

Joshua was given no small task. However, He was given the Presence of God and His promises to accomplish the assignment he was given. If you’re unfamiliar with this story, I’m going to spoil it for you: God wins and Josh receives the promises! However, Joshua did not always have it easy. You can read for yourself in the Book of Joshua, all the trials, failures and victories he and his people experienced.
Friends, our story is not so unlike Joshua’s. We are all leaders in some right: leaders of our families, leaders in our workplaces, and or leaders in our church community. Before we confront any obstacle (like COVID-19) or face an unknown future, we can do so with the Presence of Almighty God. Fear, loss, and anxiety is hard to face when you are a leader. However, the commandment to “be strong and courageous” and “not to be afraid” doesn’t change, regardless of your circumstances. The same Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) that was with Joshua, is with you. His Presence is ALL we need.  

Prayer and or Action Steps:  

1. Take a few deep breaths and then pause for the next minute to silence your heart before the Lord. Try to find a quiet time during your day. Ask the Lord for a heart that responds honestly to the prompting/conviction of His voice (don't excuse or over-rationalize your answer. Just let it come out!) 
2. Ask Him, am I afraid of anything? Write your answers in a journal and confess them out loud to the Lord.  
3. Whether you did or did not hear from the Lord in this time you can still invite His Presence to invade your home, to take control, to guide, and or to comfort you now. 
4. When was the last time you were really desperate for the Presence of the Lord? To the point where you wouldn’t move forward without His guidance or direction? Sometimes in times of lack and uncertainty our places of self-dependency and self-reliance are revealed. Listen to “I Will Exalt” by Amanda Cook and write down places you have been self-reliant on other things and people, besides God. God wants to be your everything and source because He alone can give you what you truly need.  
5. Prayerfully declare Joshua 1:1-9 over yourself.