Leadership

This is taken from my devotion time I wrote and told during a Band Practice:

I had been thinking about leadership over the last 3 or 4 months before taking on the Band Sergeant role. Some of you would know, but for a while now, I have been searching for something more, something that God could use to fulfil what he has planned for me. Going deeper, having the faith like Peter to step out of the boat with my eyes fixed on Jesus.

When we had the Prophetic Prayer event here during the three weeks of prayer, I heard from two people separately that God had a plan for me in some leadership style. It was "nothing like I have ever done before", being that I had been a leader at Fusion, I had run Corps Cadets, helped out in Junior Band and even been a Youth Leader, but God was calling me into some form of leadership which was different from all of that. I was unsure how that looked or fitted into my life or how my life fitted into that.

Before being approached for the role, God had placed the idea of this 'new' leadership in my heart, and I was receptive to what he had to say to me. I had said during my prayer time, "God, whatever this looks like, I pray you will use me to see your kingdom come here on Earth. Whatever that leadership you're calling me into may look like, I pray you will give me the strength to grasp it fully and do it to the best of my ability".

Russell approached me a week or two later about the role, and the timings just lined up nicely. Before agreeing to take on the position, I thought, "What if I am not good enough for the role?" or "Am I too young even to try this out?". As those thoughts entered my mind, I was immediately reminded of two Scripture bits. In Romans 8:28-30 (NIV) it says:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."

And then in 1 Timothy 4:12-15, it says

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Until I come, devote yourself to Scripture's public reading, preaching, and teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so that everyone may see your progress."

After praying and reflecting on the scriptures, I accepted the role of Band Sergeant. So why am I sharing all this, then? I don't share it to big note myself. The take-home from all of this is simple...

1. Listen to the voice of God and take the direction or path he has for you
2. If you feel like what God is calling you to do seems too big for you, remember that If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can tell the mountains to move, and they will move. God can use you no matter how small or big you may feel.
3. If you are called, answer the call. Step out of the boat and onto the water, just like Peter did, but keep your eyes fixed on him.

Amen.
Andrew