How to Thrive as a Leader

Who do you think was one of the strongest leaders in the Bible? It’s hard to choose just one, isn’t it? Pick a biblical character and ask yourself:

• What were his/her accomplishments?
• What was the peak of that person’s role as a leader?
• How did this person get so much done?

I have a new understanding of what made David a great leader. He had a calling on his life to be King of Israel. The Bible is filled with fascinating stories of his life and character—including his major flaws that many might say should have disqualified him from leadership.

David was talented and capable in his own right—but if you look closely, you’ll discover that God miraculously moved in his life to help him conquer enemies and lead a nation.

But how?

He did not work alone. I Chronicles describes a list of mighty men who supported him.  He wasn’t a “lone ranger.”

Check out David’s support team:

• “Now these are the heads of mighty men whom David had, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel.” (1 Chronicles 11:10)
• “Next to him was Eleazar…one of the three mighty warriors. He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle… they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down…” (1 Chronicles 11:12-13)
•  “Now these are the ones who came to David at Ziklag…and they were among the mighty men who helped him in war. They were equipped with bows, using both the right and the left hand to sling stones and to shoot arrows from the bow…” (1 Chronicles 12:1-2)
• “They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the army. For day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God.” (1 Chronicles 12:21-22)
• “…There were 50,000 who went out in the army, who could draw up in battle formations with all kinds of weapons of war and helped David with an undivided heart.” (1 Chronicles 12:33)

This list of verses gives us outstanding examples of how to come alongside someone in leadership and shore that person up. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Is there someone today who needs my strong support?
2. In what tangible, prayerful, or symbolic way can I be with that person or alongside him/her? 
3. How am I equipped, or what skills do I have that could serve that leader?
4. What are practical ways can I help right now?

Think about it. Like David, we cannot live out our calling without supporters. Like David, we are capable and called individuals. Like David, we need God to do the miraculous work only He can do through us. And like David, we need help. We need to be a part of each other’s armies. God surrounded David with mighty, skilled men to support, help, and protect him. We are no different than David. God has people for us. And we are someone else’s people.

And guess what—there was JOY! 

After two chapters highlighting David’s supporters and how they specifically helped him, 1 Chronicles 12:40 concludes: “There was joy indeed in Israel.” They rejoiced and dined together, participating in an abundance of food and drink. They worked together to help David and then had the honor of celebrating with him. 

Key Take-aways:

• We need supporters of our own.
• We need to be part of each other’s armies. God has supportive people for us.
• We are someone else’s “people.”
• We need to celebrate what God does—in our own ministries and in the ministries of others.

Some days, we may be doing the leading, living out our own steps of obedience. Other days, we may need to be part of someone else’s support team—one of their mighty women or men. Our work as writers and speakers is not without battles, not without an enemy. As individuals, we do not have all the skills for every battle, obstacle, or challenge. 

There is work involved when we come alongside other people and help them. Serving and supporting someone else’s calling will take sacrifice of time and energy. But, when the celebration comes, we get to sit at their table! 

Question: Who needs your service, skills, or loyalty today—to know your help is unwavering? Who has been (or is) a support person to you right now? I’m eager to read your comments.