Advice to the Top Dog
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“Have I (the LORD) not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
“…Only be strong and courageous!”
Joshua 1:18
Being in charge is not all it’s cracked up to be.By Carolyn Hulliberger
“Have I (the LORD) not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
“…Only be strong and courageous!”
Joshua 1:18
Sure, from the outside, getting to be “top dog,” “head honcho,” “big shot,” “boss” or “Mom” looks pretty attractive. The person in charge gets to be the most informed, make decisions, tell others what to do, and grab all the glory after everything works out alright.
OR…
If you are the leader, you get to do research, ask questions, weigh your options, make decisions, hope that others will do as you instruct, and take all the fall-out if the decisions you make do not work the way you envisioned.
Being in charge is not for the faint of heart. We see this in the life of Joshua, the Old Testament leader of the Israelites.
Joshua took over the leadership of the Israelites after Moses died. He was tasked to safely lead what appears to be around two million people into the Promised Land. The mountain of responsibility this entailed was tremendous. But God knew that, and as He spoke to Joshua directly, three times God says, “Be strong and courageous.” I don’t know about you, but if God said something directly to my ear just once, it must be pretty important, let alone three times!
Joshua follows God’s instructions, preparing himself and the Israelites for the fight that awaits them. He explains the plan and gives the orders. The leaders of the tribes then answer Joshua: They will obey. They will see that there are consequences for individuals that do not obey. And…here’s the best part…they tell Joshua, “Only be strong and courageous!” There is no indication that these men knew the details of what God had told Joshua. These men only desired one thing…that the leader LEAD! These men did not want Joshua to direct them from a place of indecision, uncertainty or fear. They were putting their trust in Joshua, as God’s appointed leader, and confirmed God’s direction to Joshua.
Today, you might have your own mountain of responsibility before you. Remember that those you are leading want you to “only be strong and courageous,” too!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about where you are called to demonstrate leadership. Pray for God’s guidance on how to “be strong and courageous” in those settings.
2. Encourage a leader in your life today.
FURTHER READING:
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves in Student Ministries with seventh grade girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
