4 Leadership Bullets You MUST Dodge [Judges 4:6-9]

Leadership isn’t always glamorous.

Sometimes, God calls us to do something BIG, and we hesitate, second-guess ourselves, and even question if we’re the right person for the job.

This was the story of Barak in Judges 4, a leader who was plagued by fear and insecurity.

His leadership mistakes offer powerful lessons that can help us become effective leaders, empowered by faith, not fear.

Are you ready to dodge the bullets that can cripple your leadership?

If you are, let us dive into the 4 critical mistakes you must avoid at all costs!

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4 Leadership Bullets You MUST Dodge [Judges 4:6-9]

#1 – Hesitancy

“And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and the children of Zebulun?” [Judges 4:6]

The statement “Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded” indicates that God had already given Barak detailed instructions, yet he remained passive.

Instead of seizing the moment and stepping into his leadership role decisively, Barak waited for further assurance or someone else to take charge.

This passivity not only delayed progress but also demonstrated a lack of confidence in God’s command.

Many of us can relate to this struggle. Perhaps we feel unqualified, unequipped, or even afraid.

But remember, God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

As a leader, waiting for others to take charge can lead to missed opportunities and a loss of trust in those you are meant to lead.

Therefore, you must develop a spirit of obedience.

When God calls, step forward in faith, trusting in His strength, not your own.

Seek guidance through prayer and surround yourself with mentors who can support and encourage you.

Imagine the blessings that could have been lost if Barak had remained passive!

Stepping into your calling and trusting in God’s plan paves the way for incredible impact.

#2 – Doubting

“And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.” [Judges 4:7]

Despite God’s promise of victory, Barak exhibited doubt.

Barak’s journey was marred by his inability to trust in the divine plan fully.

Even after Deborah’s reassurance of God’s promise, Barak’s doubt persisted.

Doubt undermines a leader’s ability to inspire and lead with conviction.

When doubts creep in, we can lose sight of God’s bigger purpose.

Cultivate a heart of faith by:

Immersing yourself in scripture, reminding yourself of God’s faithfulness throughout history.
Seeking opportunities to share your faith with others and see how God works through you.

When we trust God’s guidance, we face challenges with courage and lead with conviction.

#3 – Approval

“And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.” [Judges 4:8]

Barak’s insistence on Deborah accompanying him to the battlefield highlighted his dependence on external validation.

Despite having divine instructions, he sought reassurance from Deborah, indicating a lack of self-confidence.

True leadership involves trusting one’s instincts and decisions without relying on others for validation.

The need for validation can be a major roadblock for leaders.

It can lead to indecision, a fear of failure, and a reluctance to take risks.

Leaders must learn to validate their decisions independently to lead effectively and inspire confidence in their followers.

Develop a spirit of self-worth rooted in Christ.

Remember that your value comes from being a beloved child of God, not from the approval of others.

Seek wise counsel, but ultimately, trust your instincts and the discernment God has placed within you.

#4 – Oversight

“And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.” [Judges 4:9]

Oversight, in this context, refers to an unintentional error caused by a lack of attention or care.

Barak’s reliance on Deborah resulted in an oversight that cost him personal honor.

Deborah’s prophecy that the victory would be credited to a woman was a direct consequence of Barak’s failure to act independently.

Leaders must be proactive and take full responsibility for their roles to achieve the best outcomes.

Oversight always occurs when leaders fail to grasp the weight of their leadership roles fully.

Remember, effective leadership requires a balance between collaboration and taking initiative.

Leadership is a calling that comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the weight of leadership, remember you are not alone, for God equips those He calls.

Never forget that leadership is not about personal glory; it’s about faithfully stewarding the gifts God has entrusted to us for the good of those we are called to lead.

What’s one leadership challenge you’re facing right now?

Please share in the comments, and let’s support each other!

Tag someone who needs a reminder that God equips the called!

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