Leading on Softly

I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure (Genesis 33:14).

What a beautiful picture of Jacob's thoughtfulness for the cattle and the children! He would not allow them to be overdriven even for one day. He would not lead on according to what a strong man like Esau could do and expected them to do, but only according to what they were able to endure. He knew exactly how far they could go in a day; and he made that his only consideration in arranging the marches. He had gone the same wilderness journey years before, and knew all about its roughness and heat and length, by personal experience. And so he said, "I will lead on softly." "For ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Josh.3:4.).  

We have not passed this way heretofore, but the Lord Jesus has. It is all untrodden and unknown ground to us, but He knows it all by personal experience. The steep bits that take away our breath, the stony bits that make our feet ache so, the hot shadeless stretches that make us feel so exhausted, the rushing rivers that we have to pass through -- Jesus has gone through it all before us. "He was wearied with his journey." Not some, but all the many waters went over Him, and yet did not quench His love. He was made a perfect Leader by the things which He suffered. "He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Think of that when you are tempted to question the gentleness of His leading. He is remembering all the time; and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure. Never mind if you think it will not be able for the step that seems to come next; either He will so strengthen it that it shall be able, or He will call a sudden halt, and you shall not have to take it at all.

--Frances Ridley Havergal

*******************

As I read this commentary by Fances Havergal, I am both -- encouraged and inspired. I am encouraged to have somewhat of an apprehension of the fact that I am not walking this ethereal journey of Christianity alone. It it is powerful and effective medicine to know and understand that everything that I am enduring, my most precious Lord and Savior has endured before me and He did it on my behalf. He has seen every temptation and endured every pain. 

I am also inspired by this truth as I see the gentleness of first Jacob leading His family and then Jesus leading all who will follow in the royal family of God. It inspires me to be a better leader as a man,to look at those who fall under my warrant and protection and to understand that it is my responsibility to lead, not maliciously or despotically, but with a understanding of just how much those who I lead are capable of enduring.  As I approach the end of writing my sixth book, "The Measure of a Man: A Biblical Manhood Manifesto" I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of the failure of the Christian men in this country to lead and protect those of whom they have been given authority and responsibility. From the leaders in the local churches to the leaders in the home, or the lack thereof, we have failed. 

I am not without blame and I stand accountable to all whom I lead, but I do not stand here with  a guilt complex, feeling sorry for myself. I seek the Lord for guidance and strength to rise to the level of my divine design. 

I want to encourage those of you that are going through a difficult moment in your life. You are not alone. God has not left you to wonder in the wilderness. Look for the signs of manna and quail. Look for the signs of the shelter of His wings. Look for the signs of His ministering voice. The wilderness is necessary for the development of character and perseverance, but God will not allow it to break you. 

Dr. Rick Wallace 

Men, I want to inspire you to step up and engage the world around you. Start in the home, by leading through example and love. Let your actions move ahead of your words and speak with volume -- allowing your words to be soft and caring. This nation needs men who will not conform to the world views that have redefined biblical manhood. It is time to rise. ~ Dr. Rick Wallace (100 Men of Purpose)


Check out more resources by Dr. Rick Wallace 

Books by Dr. Wallace

1. The Invisible Father: Reversing the Curse of a Fatherless Generation
2. Renewing Your Mind: The Dynamics of Christian Transformation
3. Elevation through Revelation
4. When Your House is Not a Home
5. The Power of Healing Affirmations

Blogs
1. 100 Men of Purpose
2. Master Fitness 21