Bishops’ Chosen Quote
The 21 Most powerful minutes in a leader’s day
Written by John c. Maxwell
LEADERSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Victory is possible despite impossible circumstances.
Victory is possible despite impossible circumstances.
Now before him (Josiah) there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses: nor after him, did any arise like him. 2 Kings 23:25 (NKJV)
People who succeed often do despite terrible odds and miserable circumstances.
UPHILL BATTLE
If ever a leader faced a deck stacked against him, it was Josiah. As he started his reign, everything seemed to be against him. He had to overcome several obstacles:
1. HIS AGE
Josiah was only eight years old when he became king. He had no influence and no experience.
Josiah was only eight years old when he became king. He had no influence and no experience.
2. A HORRIBLE FAMILY HERITAGE
Josiah’s family had left Judah a legacy of pain.
Josiah’s family had left Judah a legacy of pain.
3. THE ABSENCE OF A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL
Most good leaders are developed by following the lead of another strong leader. Josiah is a rare exception. Not only did the kings who preceded him fail to provide good modeling for him, but there appeared to be no other leaders present in Jerusalem who could guide and direct him. The prophet Jeremiah didn’t begin his ministry until fourteen years after Josiah ascended the throne. By then, the young king had already swept the entire nation clean of idols and altars to false gods.
Most good leaders are developed by following the lead of another strong leader. Josiah is a rare exception. Not only did the kings who preceded him fail to provide good modeling for him, but there appeared to be no other leaders present in Jerusalem who could guide and direct him. The prophet Jeremiah didn’t begin his ministry until fourteen years after Josiah ascended the throne. By then, the young king had already swept the entire nation clean of idols and altars to false gods.
4. THE MISERABLE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY
At the time Josiah became king, the temple in Jerusalem would have been a dramatic representation of where the people were spiritually. God’s house was in ruins-and there was no desire or expectation to repair the damage. The people of his day had gone their own way. They wanted nothing to do with God, and as a result, they had never experienced His blessing or spiritual renewal.
At the time Josiah became king, the temple in Jerusalem would have been a dramatic representation of where the people were spiritually. God’s house was in ruins-and there was no desire or expectation to repair the damage. The people of his day had gone their own way. They wanted nothing to do with God, and as a result, they had never experienced His blessing or spiritual renewal.
NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH
Josiah let none of that stop him. It really doesn’t matter what kind of circumstances leaders face or how many obstacles they must overcome. Victory is always possible. But first, leaders must be willing to face their greatest foe: themselves.
Faith Evangelistic Center www.FaithEvCenter.org
