Lead on Softly
Genesis 33:14 shares with us a great truth. Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.
What a phrase, “…I will lead on softly…” . As Jacob has dealt with Esau and found favor, he tells Esau that he and his family can not travel as fast as Esau and his men. Just a few things to think about:
1. Jacob realized that leading his family meant being considerate of his family. May I encourage you to love your family and be sensitive to their needs. I know it can be frustrating as you want to go 500 mph but you must learn to lead on softly.
2. Jacob showed wisdom of knowing what was too much for those that were under his care. Is your wife stressed, your children dead, your family zapped. There is only so much they can endure. Each person will be different. Work like a madman for three months on deputation then schedule a week of “down time” to let everyone recharge. Once you get your wife and family past the breaking point you may find that you have just lost your ministry.
3. Jacob realized there was a grave difference in traveling with a family and animals and 400 soldiers. We are not comparing apples with apples here. You have a family with children, teens, special needs, etc. your family is not going to be exactly like another families. Stop comparing your wife to another. It is not right nor is it fair. Others may go at a different speed than you. It does not make them right and another wrong.
You must go forward. There is a destination to reach. It is for the benefit of everyone you reach the city. Some men will reach the city dragging their half dead family with them. Some will reach the city only to find they are alone and some will not reach the city at all.
How would your family describe your leadership. Do you know what they can endure? Will you commit to the God of heaven today that you will lead on softly?
praying for you.
If you enjoyed this post, leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment