Effective leaders have the persistence to overcome obstacles. Read Mark 2:1-12.

Jesus’ reputation as a teacher of God’s law and as a man who could heal the sick and perform other miracles had spread among the people. Crowds were getting so large whenever Jesus spoke in public that it became difficult for people to get their sick friends to Jesus for healing. When four men, carrying a man on a stretcher, tried to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus there was no possible way to get him through the crowds and into the house where Jesus was teaching. They did not give up; they climbed to the roof, tore a hole in the roof and lowered him into the room where Jesus was teaching and he was healed.

Day 2 – A leader’s character is forged as much in failure as in success. Read Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75 and John 21:1-19.

When Jesus was arrested and standing trial before the Jewish religious leaders, Peter, one of His closest friends and a trusted disciple, was standing with others outside the court chambers to listen to the proceedings. Peter had promised Jesus he would stand by Him no matter the circumstance but now, when the powerful religious leaders were seeking to destroy Jesus and anyone that associated with Him, his character was facing a serious challenge. When the others outside the court chamber bluntly asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter denied it and even denied ever knowing Jesus. Peter’s character failed in just about every way possible. In His great love for Peter, God used even Peter’s horrific denial of Christ to help him develop the strong character he would need to lead the early church.

It is a leader’s commitment to a cause that facilitates success. Read Matthew 16:24-26.

The 12 men Jesus picked as His disciples were with Him constantly. He knew the scope of the mission they were part of and as He mentored them He tried to prepare them for what was ahead. Jesus knew the depth of commitment that would be required of these men if they were to have the spiritual and emotional resources to fulfill the mission they had accepted. He knew the assignment they had accepted would not allow room for selfish behavior. Jesus made it clear that unless they committed everything they would lose everything.

The difference between leaders and followers is perspective. Read Habakkuk 3:1-19.

In chapter 1, Habakkuk had one perspective – he saw evil in Judah perpetrated on the defenseless people by corrupt leaders and a silent God. Following his prayer and interaction with God he had quite a different perspective. By the end of chapter 3 he is able to express total trust in God in every situation. Once his perspective changed he went from a doubting prophet to a leader who spoke truth to the people in Judah, Babylon and to leaders around the world today.

Leaders succeed as they find ways to successfully communicate their organization’s vision. Micah 4:1-5.

Micah not only announced judgment on the Jewish people but also brought a message of hope concerning God’s plan for the future. Micah proclaimed a vision of a better day. People could get excited about the message because during the last days the “house of the Lord” would be a strategic, influential, equipping place. The Lord’s temple would be established and Jerusalem would be chief among all the cities. Because God gave Micah His words, he was equally as effective communicating vision for a positive future as he had been proclaiming judgment.