What makes a good leader when people doubt?

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today’s passage?

Well, it was such a good plan. If God’s people could trust him and faithfully respond to his presence and movement, he could guide them anywhere. So what went wrong?

I recognise, but don’t like, the reality of feeling hard pressed by physical circumstances enough to question everything. A bright future sounds nice, but what about now?

There’s a difference between seeking God, as Moses kept doing, and deciding that God must be inadequate, and life would be better without him. I’m disturbed by the fiery judgements, but I love God’s answer to the request for meat – “you will eat it… until it comes out of your nostrils”!

I also love how much God was able to lead his people practically through Moses in his faithfulness and humility. He didn’t just set out a good vision but intervened and spoke up to God on their behalf. Israel had complaints but a better life thanks to Moses and God.

Our political leaders today seem to have to pass a popular test of charisma and strength before people believe in them. How has that been working out for us? Moses was flawed, but I love that his faithfulness to God was usually bigger than his desire for popularity. As a result, his people could gain a vision of the better life God wanted for them. Moving faithfully into this new life would be another challenge, but we’ll get to that shortly...

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God has huge patience, but he is not passive forever. He feeds and disciplines his people. He knows our fears and wants us to be reassured. This is not just with encouraging words, but in practical ways - seeing the future he has promised and tasting its fruit. However, he lets us decide whether to believe in his promises enough to face discomfort, challenge and even physical opposition to the changes God wants to implement as his Kingdom is established.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

I am blessed in life, and I must not let discomfort lead to doubt and disrespect for God in these times of challenge and change. Moses is the role model - open with God not just to converse but to believe that God could do surprising things to bring his promises to fruition. I know I need to be less convinced in my own mind that I can get my head around God's plans, and more ready to follow where God leads to unexpected places in surprising ways.

Who am I going to share this with?

Practical change, and good bases for making decisions, are things that concern our school governing board a lot right now. I’m going to keep looking for opportunities to be led by God and encourage others to see what God wants for us in the weeks ahead.