Prayer Tip--Lead Courageously
Daily Scripture
Psalm 23:1-4 (KJV), Joshua 1:9 (NRSV), 1 Corinthians 11:1 (CEB)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
[After the death of Moses, the LORD said to Joshua,] “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Follow my example, just like I follow Christ’s.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
I’ve never thought of myself as a leader. I’m a really good follower—devoted, loyal, dependable, hardworking. And honestly, I’ve been pretty comfortable letting myself stay in that role. But I keep noticing this pattern in Scripture: God’s most repeated command isn’t “be brave” or “step up and lead”—it’s “don’t be afraid.” Over and over again, that’s what God says. And I think maybe that’s because courageous leadership isn’t really about being in charge or having all the answers. It’s about trusting God enough to step forward even when you’re uncertain.
When I look at people in Scripture who led courageously—Esther walking into the king’s court, Paul choosing to see his imprisonment as an opportunity instead of a setback, ordinary people who just showed up when someone needed to hear the truth—none of them seem to have been seeking leadership positions. They just stepped forward when the moment required it. Not because they felt ready or qualified, but because they trusted that God would be with them. And I’m realizing that’s what I’ve been missing. I’ve been waiting to feel ready, waiting to feel like a leader, when maybe what God needs is just my willingness to trust him.
Courageous leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or the most confident person. It’s about being willing to step into the uncomfortable moments with love. It’s about showing up even when you’d rather stay quiet, speaking truth even when your voice shakes. It’s about trusting that God can work through our willingness even when we don’t feel ready. I’m still learning this. But I’m starting to believe that God doesn’t need me to have it all figured out—he just needs me to trust him enough to say yes.
Prayer
God, I’ll be honest—I’m more comfortable following than leading. And there’s a part of me that’s been hiding behind that, using it as an excuse for why I can’t step forward when you’re asking me to. I confess that I’ve been waiting to feel ready, waiting to feel brave, when what you’ve really been asking for is my trust. When you’re calling me to step forward or speak up or lead in ways that feel beyond me, remind me that you’re not asking me to do it alone. You’ll be with me. Help me lead with love, with courage that comes from trusting you and not from my own confidence. Use my willingness, Lord, even when I don’t feel capable. And when I’m tempted to stay quiet or stay back, give me the courage to trust that you’ll equip me as I go. Amen.
GPS Insights
Mindy LaHood
Mindy LaHood, who serves as Worship Communications and Design Manager, wrote this week's Prayer Tip. Mindy blends her passion for writing with crafting clear and engaging content across various platforms. Her calling as a writer shapes her approach to creating meaningful connections through visual design and thoughtful communication strategies.
