Leadership is daring
Courageous leadership involves being bold, daring and overcoming fear. Dare is defined as “to brave danger”, to be bold, to be courageous, to venture to say something.
There are different types of daring: Dare to dream. Dare to lead. Dare to commit. Dare to love. Dare to step into unchartered territories.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Leaders need courage. Staying on mission takes courage. Making tough decisions no one will understand at the time takes courage. Doing what is right, every time, when those around you are trying to find an easy way out takes courage. Living your values on a moment-to-moment basis takes courage. Not allowing anyone or anything to change who you are even in those pressure moments takes courage.
Courage to face your past
Moses faced his insecurity and fears by responding to God’s call to go back to Egypt where his fears began. He was motivated by God’s vision of working through him to save his people. Moses gained courage because God promised that he would be with him through this journey.
Exodus 3:11-12 (ESV) “But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
Courage to face impossible situations
David took courage to fight Goliath, he know that God would deliver him from Goliath. David had courage because of the countless times that God protected him from danger in his past. He had steadfast confidence that God would deliver him against opposition. David acted on faith to fight Goliath with a slingshot, and God gave him victory.
1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37 (ESV) “And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!”