There are two keys to outstanding leadership. The first is having a clear THERE or vision. The second is a commitment to get THERE, no matter what obstacles may come.
Throughout Israel’s complicated journey in the wilderness, Moses was asked to lead in this way. He had a THERE – to lead the people of God to the Promised Land. And Moses was committed to God and to the mission.
He was called to be the voice of God to the people. To deliver the Lord’s words. He was commanded to influence, to impart, to help. Even when they did not listen. Most of all, he was commanded to follow. To obey God no matter the circumstances.
The situations in the wilderness were vast and diverse. Moses was undoubtedly awed to see the Red Sea part, and honored when the manna started to appear. He was also clearly discouraged when he came down from the mountain and saw the golden calf.
No matter the circumstances, the response of Israel, or his own failings, Moses is called to continue leading toward the mission. It was clearly hard for him to continue to lead in the wake of the consequences of his own mistakes and the recurring disobedience of the people.
Circumstances will do their best to knock us off course. They will try to deflect or distract us from getting THERE. They will tempt us to give up. To despair. Like Moses, our calling is to keep our eyes on the mission and stay the course, no matter the obstacles. Fortunately, God has placed his Spirit within us, and we can draw on this inexhaustible power when our strength is gone. But it still requires our choice, the choice to keep walking.
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, proceed on your journey ahead of the people, that they may go in and possess the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.’”
– Deuteronomy 10:11