We Lead Through God's Favor

September 15, 2010

Leadership Principle # 6 – We Lead Through God’s Favor

Before you read this, stop right now and take a moment to read Nehemiah 2:1-9. One of the most amazing aspects of the story of Nehemiah is how he approached the King. Think about it, this cupbearer, the royal wine taster, pulled off one of the most incredible asks, I’ve ever seen. Not only did he ask for time off to go home and help his people, he asked his boss, this vicious Assyrian King, for safe passage, and the supplies necessary to rebuild the walls and gates his predecessors destroyed. His “ask” was, in fact, a slam on the foreign policies of the previous kings and request reverse and rebuild what this empire had destroyed. Nehemiah was either crazy or he knew something about leadership that we need to learn. He was able to accomplish something in 52 days that no other leader before was able to do. He led with confidence, he seemed to be intelligent and didn’t seem to mind taking a risk. Yet, I believe Nehemiah knew nothing he was able to accomplish was due to his own abilities. Nehemiah’s brief prayer to God was an acknowledgement of and request for His favor. Nehemiah knew that without the favor of God all his abilities meant nothing.

As leaders, I think we all too often forget that we lead by the only by the favor of God. We haven’t succeeded as leaders because we’re smart, good looking, creative, risk-takers, or add any of a dozen more concepts. We lead and are successful only through the favor of God. We have to keep in mind that the favor we enjoy with others is a gift from God and can be taken from us as quickly as it was granted.

Nebuchadnezzar was taught this very lesson when we grew prideful of all that he had accomplished. He spoke to those around him saying ““Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” Immediately, Nebuchadnezzar was driven into the wilderness to live like an animal for seven years. He stayed there until he learn this simple lesson, “The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes…” Dan 4:17

Always keep in mind that we lead only through the favor of God. If we lose sight of that and think that we have accomplished everything by our own power, we are close to a wilderness experience. God’s favor is a gift given to us to help us accomplish the task God has called us to accomplish. He can take his favor away as quickly as he gave it.

Posted 9/15/2010 in Stephen Gray | 1 Comment - Add Comment

Comments:

     STEPHEN, Love this man! Reminds me of the Truth. God surrounds us with His favor as a shield!