In this series of lessons from Joshua we are considering Joshua’s characteristics that made him a strong and usable leader for God’s Kingdom work. Make sure to read the first and second post in this series!
Today, let’s focus on his optimism though in the minority.
We see in an example of this in Numbers 14:7-8 when he said, “The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land. If the LORD is pleased with us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us. (HCSB) Joshua knew that if God has said it, it would happen if they would just obey.
But we see he was in the minority! It was 10 to 2 and the majority overruled to the disobedience of God! They paid a high price as you can see if you continue reading that chapter. Sentence: 40 years in the desert and that generation dies out before they have a second chance to trust God and enter Canaan.
But Joshua stood firm and said, “Only don’t rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Don’t be afraid of them!” Numbers 14:7-9 (HCSB)
It had to be difficult to stand up to that many who were terrified and tell them they were wrong. But he already believed what we read in Philippians 4:13 because he knew with God all things were possible.
As followers of Christ and women who are in leadership for Him, are we in the minority in our world? We see more and more persecution in our world, even in our own communities. Are you standing up for Christ and His truth even if you are outnumbered?
Do we even experience being in the minority when serving with our Christian sisters in ministry? What do you do when you KNOW without a doubt God has said to do something…perhaps it’s making a change in the way you reach women, or perhaps like at my church a couple of years ago it means eliminating one ministry to make room for something “new” God was doing. Feelings were hurt and it was difficult, but the ones who knew God has said to consider it, stood strong. Today, that moms ministry is stronger than ever and reaching more of our moms than before.
What is God asking you and your leaders to do? If He has made it clear, and it doesn’t go against Scripture, and it’s approached while submitting to the authority of your local church, then stand strong like Joshua and watch God do the work!
This is just another lesson we learn from the life of Joshua…more to come!
Resources:
Called to Be God’s Leader: How God Prepares His Servants for Spiritual Leadership, Henry Blackaby & Richard Blackaby
Is God Calling Me, Jeff Iorg