Your Strength to Lead

by John Michalak

David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the souls of all the people were grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

1 Samuel 30:6

It’s been said that there are two types of people: leaders…and followers, who think they know how to lead.

Here in the Old Testament, David understood this all too well. While not yet officially made King of Israel, he still had been leading many in the land for some time. In this passage, he returned to the town of Ziklag to discover that it had been raided, and many people, including his own family, had been kidnapped.

But, rather than look to David for a solution, the people instead spoke of stoning him! Why? No reason is given. David didn’t cause their trouble. But, because he was their leader, they took their grief out on him.

Now, David’s response is helpful to any of us who have been called to lead—he strengthened himself in the Lord.

Leadership is a lonely business. Whether you’re a pastor, a manager, a coach, or parent, you’re often tasked with guiding others who don’t understand your burden and may judge or condemn you because you’re the most convenient person in the room.

That’s why leaders must strengthen themselves in the Lord. No one understands the burdens of leadership more than God. And you can find your strength to lead through Him.