Note: This is part 3 of a 3-week series. Click here to read Part 1: The Furious Followers Part 2: The Fundamental Decision
Scripture:
“He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, ‘Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?’ Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them’.” Numbers 20:10-12
Perspective:
The source of frustration is usually from conflict, whether internal or external. For instance, things didn’t go how you planned, you are running late to your meeting, or your are disappointed by a friend’s actions. Even if you become frustrated by an external event, it is very easy to internalize it and let it affect your attitude, decisions, and perspective.
Moses was frustrated. The people wouldn’t stop complaining. Moses asked God for help, and God gave him direction to solve the lack of water problem. However, in Moses’ frustration, he let his emotions dictate his actions. He hit the rock twice instead of speaking to the rock as God had instructed. Although it seems like a minor deviation from the original plan, God was not pleased with Moses’ lack of trust and disobedience. In a split-second of hitting the rock, Moses unknowingly forfeited his destiny to enter into God’s promised land with the Israelites. How many times did Moses play that moment over and over in his mind? If only he had trusted God. In the same way, leaders face daily frustrations. In the heat of the moment, we can let our emotions dictate our actions and dishonor God with our response to people. God desires leaders to honor and trust Him both in the sight of the people we lead and when no one sees us. We will forfeit God’s blessing when we let our emotions dictate our actions. Next time you are faced with a frustrating situation, take a deep breath and ask God to help you honor Him in the process. Your leadership depends on it.
