What would you do if you worked in an organization where your boss was prone to bouts of irrational anger if things did not go well at the office and during these times he would use very colorful language targeted at whoever was the object of his wrath?
How can we develop the courage to always do and say the right thing?
Daniel 5
I believe the lesson in this passage is one that can be seen in every chapter of Daniel. It is also one that is extremely important for marketplace leaders, as well as all other leaders. No courage, no influence. Once more, Daniel is the only one in the palace who will tell the king what he needs to hear. Despite the fact that the news he has to share is brutal, he didn’t sugar coat God’s word in the presence of the king. And at that moment, he gained more authority in the room than the king himself.
What is the antidote to fear? Daniel gives us the answer in Daniel 11:32 NKJV but the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits. The cure for fear is the knowledge of God. Knowing God give you courage in 3 ways
First, you know that in the battle with you is the Almighty God who created heaven and earth. The God who says I will never leave you nor forsake you.
You come to know what God has given you
- First A Right Spirit with the key ingredients for courage; 1:7
- Second – Strength – 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
- Wisdom – James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
- And The Promise that He will give that which we ask in his name
Second engage starting with the relatively small issues, small fear areas. Courage is a skill that can be practiced, honed and strengthened and, in doing so, can change your life for the better in tiny incremental ways. No courage, no influence!
Someone here is waiting for the day God gives them that promotion so they can become a leader. I’m saying that positions don’t turn you into a leader if you were not already one! Are there giants facing your workplace right now that nobody has a solution for? Are there giants in your marriage or family? Are there jobs around you that nobody wants to do anything about? Perhaps God is already giving you an opportunity to begin to identify yourself into the kind of leader that people will gladly follow. Begin to volunteer for the tasks at work that nobody wants. Begin to volunteer for the ministries everybody is waiting for someone else to do. And even before the position comes to you, you will find others identifying you as a leader worth following. No courage, no influence!
O LORD my God, I pray that you open my mind and my heart to know you and that in knowing you I will be filled by your spirit of love, power and a sound mind. Strengthen me so that I can withstand the challenges of the market place, grant me wisdom to know how to address the issues that confront and the courage to engage. Remind me always of the power you have made available to me and that you are by my side in every battle. Make me O LORD the Fearless Influencer You created me to be. In Jesus name Amen