Key Thought

At some point in your leadership journey, you’ll feel like you’re in over your head. That moment isn’t a sign that you’ve failed—it’s a sign you’re growing. The question isn’t whether you’ll feel fear or doubt; it’s whether you’ll lead anyway.

 

The Leadership Legacy of Moses and Joshua

If anyone ever felt ill-equipped, it was Moses. He had a resume that read more like a cautionary tale than a job application: former prince, murderer, runaway, and desert shepherd. Not exactly the kind of background that screams “deliverer of nations.”

Yet God chose him. Why? Because God knew that Moses didn’t need to be perfect—he just needed to be willing.

When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3–4), Moses had a laundry list of reasons why he wasn’t the guy:

“What if they don’t believe me?”“I’m not a good speaker.”“Please send someone else.”

Sound familiar?

God didn’t back down. He didn’t need Moses to be the hero—He just needed him to trust. And when Moses finally did, history was changed forever.

Fast forward 40 years. Moses is gone. Joshua, his apprentice, is now the leader. The Israelites are poised to enter the Promised Land, and the weight of responsibility is enormous. That’s why 

God reminds him again and again:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

The same is true for you. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting the One who does.

 

Leading Something New? You’re in Good Company

When God asks you to lead something significant—especially something that’s never been done before—it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

Just ask Timothy.

In the New Testament, Paul writes to this young leader who’s been tasked with building and leading one of the very first Christian churches. Talk about pressure. And he was young. People questioned his qualifications.

In this moment, Paul gives him a powerful word of encouragement:

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers… Do not neglect the gift that is in you… Give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”

—1 Timothy 4:12–15 (NKJV)

That gift inside you? It was put there for a purpose. The more you practice it, the more progress you’ll see—not just in yourself, but in the people around you.

 

When You Don’t Know the Way, Trust the One Who Does

Maybe you’ve found yourself leading a new team, stepping into a new role, or guiding others through uncertainty. And perhaps you feel totally lost.

You’re not alone.

Years ago, my wife’s cousin Jamie shared a story I’ll never forget. She and her young son, Gage, were driving and got lost in a rough part of town. Nervous, crying, and unsure, she told him, “Mommy is lost.”

Gage looked at her and said, “Don’t worry, Mommy—Jesus knows where we are.”

Let that sink in. You may feel lost, but you are never out of His sight.

 

Challenge & Call to Action

Leadership begins when excuses end.

This week, ask yourself:

Where am I holding back because I feel unqualified?What would it look like to lead anyway?Am I willing to trust that God knows where I am—and where He’s taking me?

You don’t have to have it all figured out, but you do have to show up with courage and faith.

 

Scriptural Foundation

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

—James 1:5 (NLT)