Leading/Following

Many times we are confronted with great decisions that not only affect ourselves but many that we do not even have any contact with. Leadership is by far one of the hardest tasks ever given. Solomon was given this authority at a very young age. The Bible lends us to think he could have asked the Lord for anything. For a materialistic mind this could have been the proverbial "Genie in a bottle" wish. Solomon, exhibiting great wisdom even with his prayer, sought wisdom from the Lord to give him wisdom to govern God's people.

Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"
1 Kings 3:7-9 NKJV

We must use great caution when placed in a postion of leadership. Not only do we have the responsibility to lead wisely but also Biblically. I have found it found very hard at times to discern between the voice of God and the voices of human influence. It is very difficult to over come fleshly desires and "gut" reactions when opportunities arise to pursue what seems to be a righteous agenda. Sometimes I feel like Peter with a sword, but Jesus told him to put the sword away for if you live by the sword you will die by the sword. When we find ourselves in the point of contention and not sure what direction to move we must find ourselves seeking God's leadership. Sometimes it does not make any sense and may seem to be against past examples but when confidence comes as we rest in Him, common sense or the lack thereof becomes Faith.

King Jehoshaphat was at this point in his leadership when the enemy came against him.

2 Chron 20:1212 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."NKJV

2 Chron 20:15-1715 He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!"NLT


God often calls us to stand and stand firm but not proceed or pursue; just be at ready. It is at this point He continues the fight. When we come to our vantage point, we will find, if we have been obedient, to see the victory and collect the spoil.

2 Chron 20:24
24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, there were dead bodies lying on the ground for as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.NLT

When the battle comes, it is not ours but God's. We are only His to be used as tools for whatever purpose He chooses. May we always be given the wisdom and discernment needed to be the appropriate tool.