Leading in the Waiting

As leaders we gain a tremendous sense of accomplishment for a job well done. And then we look for our next opportunity to serve. It can be frustrating if the period between a job well done and our next assignment takes a long time. How we behave and the decisions we make during this “waiting” period can propel us toward our destiny or derail us.

We see this played out in several ways in the Old Testament story of Joseph. He had been “rescued” out of the pit his brothers had put him in and now he was a slave in the home of his master, Potiphar. Though a slave, Joseph displayed clear leadership abilities. Potiphar “put [Joseph] in charge of his household” (Genesis 39:4).

Joseph seemed a long way from fulfilling his destiny, which included his brothers bowing down to him. However, he was presented with an opportunity that seemed to move him closer to this destiny… if only he would accept an invitation from Potiphar’s wife to sleep with her. His answer? “How… could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

Joseph’s refusal to “sleep his way to the top” landed him in prison (Potiphar’s wife responded to being rejected by falsely accusing Joseph of rape). But by choosing God’s way, Joseph continued to be blessed by God’s presence and favor (we’ll say more about that in a later posting) even while in prison.

Let’s be honest: The difference between an opportunity offered by man and a God-ordained opportunity is rarely as obvious as the one faced by Joseph. How can we determine when an opportunity is from God, not from man?

These three questions may help.

• Will the opportunity fulfill an immediate need, or will it help me reach my destiny? (Seek those things that are above, not the things on the earth – Colossians 3:1-2.)
• Will the opportunity satisfy my desire for something better, or will it satisfy my desire to fulfill my God-given purpose? (If we live in the Spirit, we will be led by the Spirit, not the flesh – Galatians 5:16 & 25.)
• Do I feel a spiritual peace as well as an emotional satisfaction about the opportunity? (The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy – Romans 14:17.)

By being kingdom-minded, led by the Spirit and at peace in our own spirit, we can wait on God to bring us to our next level of leadership.