New situations, new circumstances, new obstacles, new challenges. In the face of these things, we can respond with obstinance or obedience, avoidance or allegiance, fear or faith. Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel faced the same difficulties. But to them, and to us, God proved himself faithful and powerful…again and again!
What attributes make a great leader? We might list things like strength, courage, vision, decisiveness, power, or service. We may want a leader who can get things done or who can create a following. These attributes or characteristics are not bad, but we must remember that the heart of a leader is still the most important attribute. God says in 1 Samuel 16:7, “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” A true leader has a heart that trusts the Lord. A faithful leader has a heart molded by suffering. An authentic leader has a heart of integrity. The leader we need has a heart after God’s own heart.