CyndiLee

Q2. Why is it so difficult for some church leaders to confront people? What fears in this regard does a leader face? My experience with Godly leaders has been that some simply don't like confrontation. They fear if they make the person unhappy, they will spread their unhappiness throughout the congregation (population) and soon people will leave or cause problems. It has is easier for some leaders to smooth things over than confront. But, if you sweep a rattle snake under the rug, you still have a rattle snake, right? At some point, it will find its way out again. How can confrontation and rebuke be a good thing? What happens when we refuse to confront when we should? I now work for a leader who is a master at "confrontation" and rebuke. He does things such as calling or meeting with the person who is upset, groveling, or complaining. They may agree to disagree in the end, but at least the Matthew Principle has been followed and God is free to work his will out. Remember, we don't fight flesh and blood, but principalities. Lots of prayer directed towards difficult situations will allow God to work. Taking things in our own hands prevents God from using us to our full potential.

Why did Moses blame God for his troubles? Why are Moses and Aaron so stubborn, do you think? Was it fear? Was it unbelief? Although Moses is well advanced in years, I see him as a relatively "young" believer. The miracles he witnesses in his life come AFTER this point. (Argumentatively, his own life is a miracle, but he was a baby when that happened) Remember, Moses has been a shepherd because he killed a man for beating up a Hebrew. Now, because of his request of Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, his foremen are being beaten and his people are being subject to even harder slave labor than previously. His heart is breaking for his people, and he has "little" life experience is miracles, let's say, to be bold and courageous. So, his answer is to blame God, forget his promises, etc. Oh, ye of so little faith! But, I can't blame Moses, because I have found myself playing the same blame game for much less than going against a tyrant and having an entire race of people angry at me. Moses stubborn? No. Moses scared? Most definitely! Unbelief? Not in God, but in God's power. Why does God have to command Moses and Aaron? I feel God has to command Moses and Aaron because it's good parenting on God's part! Sometimes our "children" refuse to do the right thing, whether out of stubborness or fear. As a mother, I know my child must do the right thing in order to come out on the other side in victory, or as a stronger, moral person. God knew the means and outcome of the Exodus. Moses and Aaron just needed that kick from behind to get them to the other side. [/font]

I fear because I don't put enough faith in God's ability. I know he is all powerful, but still question whether he is really calling me or is it only my desire. Or, if I know he is calling me, lack of faith in myself to accomplish the task although I know he will equip me. The best response to fear is prayer. Courage is related to fear in the sense that it helps you move forward despite the fear. And, amazingly, that is all God wants. Move forward, step in the Jordan, and HE will do the rest! Courage is required because moving in God's ways often brings opposition. Sometimes failure (or what is seen by others as failure) is involved and courage will enable us to move forward trusting in God's plan, now ours.

I agree! Even though our words are saying "no, not me!" God sees our hearts are truly bent towards him (great way to put it, by the way!).

Greetings from Alabama! I love studying the Old Testament so am really looking forward to this study. All Because of Him! Cyndi