Trust the Process

Hey there, I'm Bryson Cook and I am the Hey there, I'm Bryson Cook and I am the Franklin Campus Pastor. It is so great Franklin Campus Pastor. It is so great Franklin Campus Pastor. It is so great to be here with you all uh this morning. to be here with you all uh this morning. to be here with you all uh this morning. Yeah, you know, if there's one thing Yeah, you know, if there's one thing Yeah, you know, if there's one thing that I know about us as humanity, it's that I know about us as humanity, it's that I know about us as humanity, it's that something stirs within us when we that something stirs within us when we that something stirs within us when we hear a good story. Uh especially the hear a good story. Uh especially the hear a good story. Uh especially the story of an unlikely hero, like someone story of an unlikely hero, like someone story of an unlikely hero, like someone rising out of obscurity to save the rising out of obscurity to save the rising out of obscurity to save the world or overcome evil or make an impact world or overcome evil or make an impact world or overcome evil or make an impact that they never could have dreamed of. that they never could have dreamed of. that they never could have dreamed of. You know, it's the picture of an You know, it's the picture of an You know, it's the picture of an ordinary teenage girl from District 12 ordinary teenage girl from District 12 ordinary teenage girl from District 12 who's just trying to protect her sister who's just trying to protect her sister who's just trying to protect her sister and all of a sudden she's a symbol of and all of a sudden she's a symbol of and all of a sudden she's a symbol of hope for thousands. Or it's a frustrated hope for thousands. Or it's a frustrated hope for thousands. Or it's a frustrated farm boy staring into the desert sunset farm boy staring into the desert sunset farm boy staring into the desert sunset wondering if there was just more to life wondering if there was just more to life wondering if there was just more to life than this. And all of a sudden he grows than this. And all of a sudden he grows than this. And all of a sudden he grows up to be a Jedi master. Or it's a simple up to be a Jedi master. Or it's a simple up to be a Jedi master. Or it's a simple hobbit living a quiet life that goes on hobbit living a quiet life that goes on hobbit living a quiet life that goes on to liberate an entire realm from the to liberate an entire realm from the to liberate an entire realm from the clutches of evil. clutches of evil. clutches of evil. You know, all of these stories, as You know, all of these stories, as You know, all of these stories, as different as they are, they paint a different as they are, they paint a different as they are, they paint a picture of the same kind of person. Uh picture of the same kind of person. Uh picture of the same kind of person. Uh someone who could have never imagined someone who could have never imagined someone who could have never imagined the impact that they would one day have.

the impact that they would one day have. the impact that they would one day have. Uh someone who couldn't see the full Uh someone who couldn't see the full Uh someone who couldn't see the full story when it began. Someone who didn't story when it began. Someone who didn't story when it began. Someone who didn't know how their ordinary lives would know how their ordinary lives would know how their ordinary lives would become part of something much bigger become part of something much bigger become part of something much bigger than themselves. than themselves. than themselves. You know, and for many of us, I truly You know, and for many of us, I truly You know, and for many of us, I truly believe this, like we want these stories believe this, like we want these stories believe this, like we want these stories to be our stories. to be our stories. to be our stories. Because deep down we all want to know Because deep down we all want to know Because deep down we all want to know that our lives matter. that our lives matter. that our lives matter. Uh God can use us to impact and change Uh God can use us to impact and change Uh God can use us to impact and change the lives of those around us. That our the lives of those around us. That our the lives of those around us. That our ordinary lives are are part of something ordinary lives are are part of something ordinary lives are are part of something much bigger than ourselves. much bigger than ourselves. much bigger than ourselves. And yet, if we're being honest, most of And yet, if we're being honest, most of And yet, if we're being honest, most of us, I think, struggle to believe that. us, I think, struggle to believe that. us, I think, struggle to believe that. I've seen it in my own life. I've seen it in my own life. I've seen it in my own life. Like we believe that God uses people, Like we believe that God uses people, Like we believe that God uses people, yeah, but we're just not convinced he yeah, but we're just not convinced he yeah, but we're just not convinced he wants to use us. wants to use us. wants to use us. Uh we look at our lives and see our Uh we look at our lives and see our Uh we look at our lives and see our ordinary routines and jobs and ordinary routines and jobs and ordinary routines and jobs and responsibilities and struggles and it's responsibilities and struggles and it's responsibilities and struggles and it's easy to think that real significance and easy to think that real significance and easy to think that real significance and impact belong to someone else. Uh the impact belong to someone else. Uh the impact belong to someone else. Uh the heroes of other stories. Like surely heroes of other stories. Like surely heroes of other stories. Like surely those that seem more gifted or more those that seem more gifted or more those that seem more gifted or more qualified or more spiritual than us.

qualified or more spiritual than us. qualified or more spiritual than us. But we open up to the book of Exodus. But we open up to the book of Exodus. But we open up to the book of Exodus. Like this incredible story of God Like this incredible story of God Like this incredible story of God delivering his people from slavery delivering his people from slavery delivering his people from slavery through the leadership of a man named through the leadership of a man named through the leadership of a man named Moses. It's a book full of burning Moses. It's a book full of burning Moses. It's a book full of burning bushes and miracles and split seas and bushes and miracles and split seas and bushes and miracles and split seas and and yet before there's ever a bush on and yet before there's ever a bush on and yet before there's ever a bush on fire fire fire or before the sea itself is ripped in or before the sea itself is ripped in or before the sea itself is ripped in half, before Moses becomes one of the half, before Moses becomes one of the half, before Moses becomes one of the greatest leaders in all of scripture greatest leaders in all of scripture greatest leaders in all of scripture there's simply a little baby in a there's simply a little baby in a there's simply a little baby in a basket. basket. basket. Because here's the thing, one of the Because here's the thing, one of the Because here's the thing, one of the great themes of scripture is that God great themes of scripture is that God great themes of scripture is that God loves to raise up the unexpected leader. loves to raise up the unexpected leader. loves to raise up the unexpected leader. Uh the ordinary person, the seemingly Uh the ordinary person, the seemingly Uh the ordinary person, the seemingly unlikely people the world looks over, unlikely people the world looks over, unlikely people the world looks over, the the people who don't yet see what he the the people who don't yet see what he the the people who don't yet see what he sees or know what he's doing. sees or know what he's doing. sees or know what he's doing. Like that's who he changes the world Like that's who he changes the world Like that's who he changes the world through. through. through. And so over the next four weeks we're And so over the next four weeks we're And so over the next four weeks we're going to be working through the book of going to be working through the book of going to be working through the book of Exodus in a series that we're calling Exodus in a series that we're calling Exodus in a series that we're calling the unexpected leader, exploring how God the unexpected leader, exploring how God the unexpected leader, exploring how God uses ordinary people in ordinary places uses ordinary people in ordinary places uses ordinary people in ordinary places to make an extraordinary difference for to make an extraordinary difference for to make an extraordinary difference for his kingdom.

his kingdom. his kingdom. Now, if you were to walk into a Now, if you were to walk into a Now, if you were to walk into a bookstore and browse through the section bookstore and browse through the section bookstore and browse through the section titled leadership uh you'll find a titled leadership uh you'll find a titled leadership uh you'll find a thousand different definitions of what a thousand different definitions of what a thousand different definitions of what a leader is. leader is. leader is. But through a gospel lens, quite simply, But through a gospel lens, quite simply, But through a gospel lens, quite simply, leadership is not about position or leadership is not about position or leadership is not about position or platform or qualifications or being platform or qualifications or being platform or qualifications or being up-to-date on the latest trends. Uh up-to-date on the latest trends. Uh up-to-date on the latest trends. Uh leadership is is really all about leadership is is really all about leadership is is really all about influence. Like to lead is to influence, influence. Like to lead is to influence, influence. Like to lead is to influence, to inspire, to point others towards a a to inspire, to point others towards a a to inspire, to point others towards a a vision or a goal or a way of life, vision or a goal or a way of life, vision or a goal or a way of life, whether you know you're consciously, whether you know you're consciously, whether you know you're consciously, actively doing it or not. actively doing it or not. actively doing it or not. A- And for followers of Jesus, that A- And for followers of Jesus, that A- And for followers of Jesus, that looks like leading people towards looks like leading people towards looks like leading people towards relationship and life with him. relationship and life with him. relationship and life with him. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> It's This is what this means, leadership >> It's This is what this means, leadership >> It's This is what this means, leadership isn't reserved for the few people with isn't reserved for the few people with isn't reserved for the few people with the right title or the biggest stage. the right title or the biggest stage. the right title or the biggest stage. Like it's a call on every one of us and Like it's a call on every one of us and Like it's a call on every one of us and it branches into every sphere of it branches into every sphere of it branches into every sphere of influence that God places you in. influence that God places you in. influence that God places you in. Like whether you recognize it or not, Like whether you recognize it or not, Like whether you recognize it or not, you are leading in how you're shaping you are leading in how you're shaping you are leading in how you're shaping the emotional and spiritual atmosphere the emotional and spiritual atmosphere the emotional and spiritual atmosphere of your home for your spouse and your of your home for your spouse and your of your home for your spouse and your kids.

kids. kids. Or the decisions that you make influence Or the decisions that you make influence Or the decisions that you make influence the culture every day in your workplace. the culture every day in your workplace. the culture every day in your workplace. Or how you're helping your friends Or how you're helping your friends Or how you're helping your friends believe and value and pursue different believe and value and pursue different believe and value and pursue different things. Like that's leadership. Listen, things. Like that's leadership. Listen, things. Like that's leadership. Listen, the question that we want to hone in on the question that we want to hone in on the question that we want to hone in on in this series isn't am I a leader? in this series isn't am I a leader? in this series isn't am I a leader? The question is hey, what kind of leader The question is hey, what kind of leader The question is hey, what kind of leader am I? am I? am I? Because your life is always leading and Because your life is always leading and Because your life is always leading and pointing somewhere. pointing somewhere. pointing somewhere. And the people most influenced by your And the people most influenced by your And the people most influenced by your life, like your kids, your spouse, your life, like your kids, your spouse, your life, like your kids, your spouse, your friends, like they're watching. And friends, like they're watching. And friends, like they're watching. And they're following your leading even when they're following your leading even when they're following your leading even when you don't realize it. you don't realize it. you don't realize it. And the greatest truth ultimately behind And the greatest truth ultimately behind And the greatest truth ultimately behind your leadership and influence is that your leadership and influence is that your leadership and influence is that God is always moving and working as the God is always moving and working as the God is always moving and working as the ultimate leader in whose image you're ultimate leader in whose image you're ultimate leader in whose image you're made. Forming you more and more into the made. Forming you more and more into the made. Forming you more and more into the leader that you were made to be. leader that you were made to be. leader that you were made to be. And the book of Exodus opens showing us And the book of Exodus opens showing us And the book of Exodus opens showing us that reality that before Moses ever has that reality that before Moses ever has that reality that before Moses ever has a title, before he ever speaks a word, a title, before he ever speaks a word, a title, before he ever speaks a word, before anyone else sees God working before anyone else sees God working before anyone else sees God working through him, God is already shaping through him, God is already shaping through him, God is already shaping people and circumstances that are people and circumstances that are people and circumstances that are pointing his life towards something long pointing his life towards something long pointing his life towards something long before he'll ever see it.

before he'll ever see it. before he'll ever see it. And in this first week, what we're going And in this first week, what we're going And in this first week, what we're going to see is God is constantly working to see is God is constantly working to see is God is constantly working behind the scenes preparing his behind the scenes preparing his behind the scenes preparing his unexpected leader for unexpected things unexpected leader for unexpected things unexpected leader for unexpected things and how he might be moving and preparing and how he might be moving and preparing and how he might be moving and preparing you. you. you. If you've been with us this year as If you've been with us this year as If you've been with us this year as we've studied through the book of we've studied through the book of we've studied through the book of Genesis, you'll remember how it ends. Genesis, you'll remember how it ends. Genesis, you'll remember how it ends. God's working powerfully through a man God's working powerfully through a man God's working powerfully through a man named Joseph to save his family, to named Joseph to save his family, to named Joseph to save his family, to bring them into a place of stability in bring them into a place of stability in bring them into a place of stability in Egypt. And then you turn the page to Egypt. And then you turn the page to Egypt. And then you turn the page to Exodus and right away the story shifts. Exodus and right away the story shifts. Exodus and right away the story shifts. Goes like this, eventually a new king Goes like this, eventually a new king Goes like this, eventually a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing came to power in Egypt who knew nothing came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. about Joseph or what he had done. about Joseph or what he had done. Joseph's forgotten, history's ignored, a Joseph's forgotten, history's ignored, a Joseph's forgotten, history's ignored, a new Pharaoh rises to power and feels new Pharaoh rises to power and feels new Pharaoh rises to power and feels threatened by the growing population of threatened by the growing population of threatened by the growing population of Israelites. And immediately things go Israelites. And immediately things go Israelites. And immediately things go dark for God's people. dark for God's people. dark for God's people. Look, the the people of Israel now Look, the the people of Israel now Look, the the people of Israel now outnumber us and are stronger than we outnumber us and are stronger than we outnumber us and are stronger than we are. We must make a plan to keep them are. We must make a plan to keep them are. We must make a plan to keep them from growing even more.

from growing even more. from growing even more. Maybe your translation might say that Maybe your translation might say that Maybe your translation might say that Pharaoh wanted to deal shrewdly with Pharaoh wanted to deal shrewdly with Pharaoh wanted to deal shrewdly with Israel. And if you've been tracking the Israel. And if you've been tracking the Israel. And if you've been tracking the language of Genesis, like that should language of Genesis, like that should language of Genesis, like that should stop you for a second because all the stop you for a second because all the stop you for a second because all the way back in Genesis 3, the serpent who way back in Genesis 3, the serpent who way back in Genesis 3, the serpent who tempted Adam and Eve in the garden is tempted Adam and Eve in the garden is tempted Adam and Eve in the garden is described with that same language of described with that same language of described with that same language of shrewd and crafty. shrewd and crafty. shrewd and crafty. You know, like the the cobra symbol that You know, like the the cobra symbol that You know, like the the cobra symbol that often adorned the headdresses of often adorned the headdresses of often adorned the headdresses of Egyptian kings, like Pharaoh here in Egyptian kings, like Pharaoh here in Egyptian kings, like Pharaoh here in Genesis 1 sounds less like a king and Genesis 1 sounds less like a king and Genesis 1 sounds less like a king and more like the serpent from the garden, more like the serpent from the garden, more like the serpent from the garden, targeting God's people. targeting God's people. targeting God's people. He steps into the same pattern from He steps into the same pattern from He steps into the same pattern from Genesis 4. Like just like Cain allowed Genesis 4. Like just like Cain allowed Genesis 4. Like just like Cain allowed insecurity to turn into violence when insecurity to turn into violence when insecurity to turn into violence when his brother's blessing felt like a his brother's blessing felt like a his brother's blessing felt like a threat, like Pharaoh responds to threat, like Pharaoh responds to threat, like Pharaoh responds to Israel's blessing and growth with fear. Israel's blessing and growth with fear. Israel's blessing and growth with fear. And unchecked fear quickly becomes And unchecked fear quickly becomes And unchecked fear quickly becomes oppression and the blessing of others oppression and the blessing of others oppression and the blessing of others turns into personal insecurity. turns into personal insecurity. turns into personal insecurity. It goes this way, so the Egyptians made It goes this way, so the Egyptians made It goes this way, so the Egyptians made the Israelites their slaves. They the Israelites their slaves. They the Israelites their slaves. They appointed brutal slave drivers over them appointed brutal slave drivers over them appointed brutal slave drivers over them hoping to wear them down with crushing hoping to wear them down with crushing hoping to wear them down with crushing labor and worked the people of Israel labor and worked the people of Israel labor and worked the people of Israel without mercy, forcing them to mix without mercy, forcing them to mix without mercy, forcing them to mix mortar and make bricks and do all of the mortar and make bricks and do all of the mortar and make bricks and do all of the work in the fields. They were ruthless work in the fields. They were ruthless work in the fields. They were ruthless in their demands.

in their demands. in their demands. We're keeping the Genesis themes going We're keeping the Genesis themes going We're keeping the Genesis themes going because if some words sound familiar, because if some words sound familiar, because if some words sound familiar, there are the only other time that there are the only other time that there are the only other time that bricks and mortar have appeared in the bricks and mortar have appeared in the bricks and mortar have appeared in the Bible up to this point was all the way Bible up to this point was all the way Bible up to this point was all the way back in Genesis 11 with the building of back in Genesis 11 with the building of back in Genesis 11 with the building of Babylon and the tower of Babel. Babylon and the tower of Babel. Babylon and the tower of Babel. The picture of humanity building a The picture of humanity building a The picture of humanity building a monument to their own power in defiance monument to their own power in defiance monument to their own power in defiance of God. The picture that Exodus 1 is so of God. The picture that Exodus 1 is so of God. The picture that Exodus 1 is so clearly demonstrating about Egypt is clearly demonstrating about Egypt is clearly demonstrating about Egypt is this, that with their snake-like king of this, that with their snake-like king of this, that with their snake-like king of violence, violence, violence, they're operating like another Babylon. they're operating like another Babylon. they're operating like another Babylon. Like this is arguably the most bleak Like this is arguably the most bleak Like this is arguably the most bleak moment for God's people up to this point moment for God's people up to this point moment for God's people up to this point in the story outside of Genesis 3 in the story outside of Genesis 3 in the story outside of Genesis 3 itself. And And yet, look at this one itself. And And yet, look at this one itself. And And yet, look at this one line that uses to let the darkness have line that uses to let the darkness have line that uses to let the darkness have the final word in this moment. the final word in this moment. the final word in this moment. But the more the Egyptians oppressed But the more the Egyptians oppressed But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied them, the more the Israelites multiplied them, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread. and spread. and spread. The more that Pharaoh builds oppression, The more that Pharaoh builds oppression, The more that Pharaoh builds oppression, God is behind the scenes building his God is behind the scenes building his God is behind the scenes building his people and his unexpectedly leader. people and his unexpectedly leader. people and his unexpectedly leader. You know, most of us don't feel like You know, most of us don't feel like You know, most of us don't feel like we're probably in the midst of like a we're probably in the midst of like a we're probably in the midst of like a dramatic story of impact and difference dramatic story of impact and difference dramatic story of impact and difference making right now with God preparing or making right now with God preparing or making right now with God preparing or positioning you in leadership and positioning you in leadership and positioning you in leadership and influence. Like if we're being really influence. Like if we're being really influence. Like if we're being really honest, most of us just feel like we're honest, most of us just feel like we're honest, most of us just feel like we're probably making bricks.

probably making bricks. probably making bricks. You show up to the job and it feels You show up to the job and it feels You show up to the job and it feels repetitive and draining. repetitive and draining. repetitive and draining. Or Or you come home and you're exhausted Or Or you come home and you're exhausted Or Or you come home and you're exhausted and you wonder if anything that you do and you wonder if anything that you do and you wonder if anything that you do matters. You You pray for your marriage, matters. You You pray for your marriage, matters. You You pray for your marriage, but nothing seems to shift. You You but nothing seems to shift. You You but nothing seems to shift. You You watch your child make choices that you watch your child make choices that you watch your child make choices that you know will bring pain and all it seems know will bring pain and all it seems know will bring pain and all it seems like you can do is pray. Listen, if like you can do is pray. Listen, if like you can do is pray. Listen, if you're being really honest, you're being really honest, you're being really honest, maybe you started to ask these types of maybe you started to ask these types of maybe you started to ask these types of questions of God, where are you? questions of God, where are you? questions of God, where are you? If you're working, if you're really If you're working, if you're really If you're working, if you're really behind the scenes and all this, like behind the scenes and all this, like behind the scenes and all this, like what Why can't I see it? what Why can't I see it? what Why can't I see it? And my prayer is this, that if you find And my prayer is this, that if you find And my prayer is this, that if you find yourself there, listen, Exodus 1 tells yourself there, listen, Exodus 1 tells yourself there, listen, Exodus 1 tells you another story. you another story. you another story. Silence does not mean God is absent. Silence does not mean God is absent. Silence does not mean God is absent. That what looks like delay might That what looks like delay might That what looks like delay might actually be God moving and preparing in actually be God moving and preparing in actually be God moving and preparing in ways that you can't yet see or wouldn't ways that you can't yet see or wouldn't ways that you can't yet see or wouldn't expect. expect. expect. Like Israel looks hopeless in chapter 1. Like Israel looks hopeless in chapter 1. Like Israel looks hopeless in chapter 1. Pharaoh seems to be winning, and yet Pharaoh seems to be winning, and yet Pharaoh seems to be winning, and yet it's clear that God is orchestrating it's clear that God is orchestrating it's clear that God is orchestrating things behind the scenes, moving his things behind the scenes, moving his things behind the scenes, moving his people towards something that they can't people towards something that they can't people towards something that they can't yet envision or imagine.

yet envision or imagine. yet envision or imagine. Like the the invitation to pray in this Like the the invitation to pray in this Like the the invitation to pray in this season isn't God, show me the road map, season isn't God, show me the road map, season isn't God, show me the road map, give me all the answers, but instead, give me all the answers, but instead, give me all the answers, but instead, God, give me the power to just trust God, give me the power to just trust God, give me the power to just trust that you are working even now, even if I that you are working even now, even if I that you are working even now, even if I can't see it. can't see it. can't see it. Your life lesson is always leading and Your life lesson is always leading and Your life lesson is always leading and pointing somewhere, even when you cannot pointing somewhere, even when you cannot pointing somewhere, even when you cannot yet see the direction. yet see the direction. yet see the direction. Because God moves and is active even Because God moves and is active even Because God moves and is active even when we can't see it. when we can't see it. when we can't see it. Well, Pharaoh realizes that crushing Well, Pharaoh realizes that crushing Well, Pharaoh realizes that crushing labor alone isn't slowing the growth of labor alone isn't slowing the growth of labor alone isn't slowing the growth of the Israelites, and so he begins to the Israelites, and so he begins to the Israelites, and so he begins to escalate things even more. escalate things even more. escalate things even more. Then Pharaoh gave this order to the Then Pharaoh gave this order to the Then Pharaoh gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. Hey, Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. Hey, Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. Hey, when you help the Hebrew women as they when you help the Hebrew women as they when you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, what I want you to do is give birth, what I want you to do is give birth, what I want you to do is watch as they deliver. And if the baby watch as they deliver. And if the baby watch as they deliver. And if the baby is a boy, kill him. And if it's a girl, is a boy, kill him. And if it's a girl, is a boy, kill him. And if it's a girl, let her live. let her live. let her live. You know, Pharaoh's plan is this, let's You know, Pharaoh's plan is this, let's You know, Pharaoh's plan is this, let's eliminate the next generation of eliminate the next generation of eliminate the next generation of Israelite men before they can become any Israelite men before they can become any Israelite men before they can become any kind of military threat, but ironically, kind of military threat, but ironically, kind of military threat, but ironically, while Pharaoh's worried about the men, while Pharaoh's worried about the men, while Pharaoh's worried about the men, he should have been paying closer he should have been paying closer he should have been paying closer attention to the ladies.

attention to the ladies. attention to the ladies. But because the midwives feared God, But because the midwives feared God, But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king's orders. they refused to obey the king's orders. they refused to obey the king's orders. They allowed the boys to live, and so They allowed the boys to live, and so They allowed the boys to live, and so the king of Egypt called for the the king of Egypt called for the the king of Egypt called for the midwives. Hey, why have you done this? midwives. Hey, why have you done this? midwives. Hey, why have you done this? Why have you allowed the boys to live? Why have you allowed the boys to live? Why have you allowed the boys to live? Uh Hebrew women are not like Egyptian Uh Hebrew women are not like Egyptian Uh Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women, the midwives replied. They're women, the midwives replied. They're women, the midwives replied. They're more vigorous, and they have their more vigorous, and they have their more vigorous, and they have their babies so quickly that we cannot get babies so quickly that we cannot get babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time. there in time. there in time. So, listen, God was good to the So, listen, God was good to the So, listen, God was good to the midwives, and the Israelites continued midwives, and the Israelites continued midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more to multiply, growing more and more to multiply, growing more and more powerful. powerful. powerful. Uh there's a beautiful inversion Uh there's a beautiful inversion Uh there's a beautiful inversion happening here that often we miss. happening here that often we miss. happening here that often we miss. You know, back in Genesis 3, we're given You know, back in Genesis 3, we're given You know, back in Genesis 3, we're given the picture of a woman who listens to the picture of a woman who listens to the picture of a woman who listens to the voice of the serpent and turned away the voice of the serpent and turned away the voice of the serpent and turned away from God but here these two women hear from God but here these two women hear from God but here these two women hear the voice of the serpent-like king and the voice of the serpent-like king and the voice of the serpent-like king and they refuse to listen. they refuse to listen. they refuse to listen. They stay faithful. They choose to trust They stay faithful. They choose to trust They stay faithful. They choose to trust God over Pharaoh. God over Pharaoh. God over Pharaoh. And there's even this detail that I And there's even this detail that I And there's even this detail that I don't want us to miss. Shiphrah and don't want us to miss. Shiphrah and don't want us to miss. Shiphrah and Puah, these two simple ordinary Puah, these two simple ordinary Puah, these two simple ordinary midwives, they are named and remembered midwives, they are named and remembered midwives, they are named and remembered in scripture all throughout history but in scripture all throughout history but in scripture all throughout history but yet the most powerful king in the world yet the most powerful king in the world yet the most powerful king in the world at the time like he goes unnamed through at the time like he goes unnamed through at the time like he goes unnamed through this entire book.

this entire book. this entire book. Like where the world remembers and Like where the world remembers and Like where the world remembers and honors power and status like God values honors power and status like God values honors power and status like God values and honors faithful obedience. and honors faithful obedience. and honors faithful obedience. And God's kingdom true leadership and And God's kingdom true leadership and And God's kingdom true leadership and lasting impact it's it's never lasting impact it's it's never lasting impact it's it's never ultimately about platform or position. ultimately about platform or position. ultimately about platform or position. It's about faithfulness in the ordinary It's about faithfulness in the ordinary It's about faithfulness in the ordinary moments. It's trusting God even when no moments. It's trusting God even when no moments. It's trusting God even when no one important is watching. one important is watching. one important is watching. Like God quietly moves through exactly Like God quietly moves through exactly Like God quietly moves through exactly that kind of ordinary faithful that kind of ordinary faithful that kind of ordinary faithful obedience. Like that's ultimately the obedience. Like that's ultimately the obedience. Like that's ultimately the upside-down nature of leadership in upside-down nature of leadership in upside-down nature of leadership in God's kingdom. Like it it doesn't always God's kingdom. Like it it doesn't always God's kingdom. Like it it doesn't always look like the the visibility or the look like the the visibility or the look like the the visibility or the recognition. It's it's not even always recognition. It's it's not even always recognition. It's it's not even always knowing the long-term impact that you're knowing the long-term impact that you're knowing the long-term impact that you're making. making. making. It's a simple picture of always doing It's a simple picture of always doing It's a simple picture of always doing the next right thing of what he asks. the next right thing of what he asks. the next right thing of what he asks. You know, to illustrate this if you were You know, to illustrate this if you were You know, to illustrate this if you were to take a moment and think about the to take a moment and think about the to take a moment and think about the people who have most shaped or impacted people who have most shaped or impacted people who have most shaped or impacted your life like your mind probably your life like your mind probably your life like your mind probably doesn't go to the celebrity or the doesn't go to the celebrity or the doesn't go to the celebrity or the Instagram influencer or the politician Instagram influencer or the politician Instagram influencer or the politician as the leaders that you've looked to.

as the leaders that you've looked to. as the leaders that you've looked to. Like who comes to mind I'm I'm sure is a Like who comes to mind I'm I'm sure is a Like who comes to mind I'm I'm sure is a parent parent parent or a teacher or coach or grandparent or or a teacher or coach or grandparent or or a teacher or coach or grandparent or a friend. The person who like a friend. The person who like a friend. The person who like consistently showed up in the ordinary consistently showed up in the ordinary consistently showed up in the ordinary moments. moments. moments. The person who believed in you. The the The person who believed in you. The the The person who believed in you. The the person whose life was pointing somewhere person whose life was pointing somewhere person whose life was pointing somewhere worth following. Like the most powerful worth following. Like the most powerful worth following. Like the most powerful leadership, don't miss this, that you leadership, don't miss this, that you leadership, don't miss this, that you may do may do may do may never happen on a stage full of may never happen on a stage full of may never happen on a stage full of applause or in in of a camera with an applause or in in of a camera with an applause or in in of a camera with an ever growing Instagram following. ever growing Instagram following. ever growing Instagram following. But instead, But instead, But instead, it may happen in the moment that you it may happen in the moment that you it may happen in the moment that you refuse to join the gossip at work. refuse to join the gossip at work. refuse to join the gossip at work. Or when you choose patience when you're Or when you choose patience when you're Or when you choose patience when you're exhausted. Or when you apologize when exhausted. Or when you apologize when exhausted. Or when you apologize when your pride just wanted to justify. Or your pride just wanted to justify. Or your pride just wanted to justify. Or when you let your kids watch you choose when you let your kids watch you choose when you let your kids watch you choose forgiveness instead of bitterness. Or or forgiveness instead of bitterness. Or or forgiveness instead of bitterness. Or or maybe when you stay faithful when maybe when you stay faithful when maybe when you stay faithful when compromise feels so much easier. compromise feels so much easier. compromise feels so much easier. You might think, listen, that no one You might think, listen, that no one You might think, listen, that no one notices those moments, but I promise you notices those moments, but I promise you notices those moments, but I promise you the people closest you do. the people closest you do. the people closest you do. And ultimately heaven does. And ultimately heaven does. And ultimately heaven does. Like your life is always leading and Like your life is always leading and Like your life is always leading and pointing somewhere.

pointing somewhere. pointing somewhere. Especially in the ordinary faithfulness Especially in the ordinary faithfulness Especially in the ordinary faithfulness because God moves by using ordinary because God moves by using ordinary because God moves by using ordinary people to advance his purposes. people to advance his purposes. people to advance his purposes. As we continue in the story, Pharaoh As we continue in the story, Pharaoh As we continue in the story, Pharaoh isn't done. The midwives have isn't done. The midwives have isn't done. The midwives have outmaneuvered him and so he once again outmaneuvered him and so he once again outmaneuvered him and so he once again escalates things this time to a escalates things this time to a escalates things this time to a horrifying degree. horrifying degree. horrifying degree. He doesn't whisper an order to a couple He doesn't whisper an order to a couple He doesn't whisper an order to a couple women in a back room. He goes public to women in a back room. He goes public to women in a back room. He goes public to all of Egypt. Hey, every Israelite baby all of Egypt. Hey, every Israelite baby all of Egypt. Hey, every Israelite baby boy is to be thrown into the Nile River, boy is to be thrown into the Nile River, boy is to be thrown into the Nile River, drowned, no exceptions. drowned, no exceptions. drowned, no exceptions. Like this is the darkest the story has Like this is the darkest the story has Like this is the darkest the story has gotten to this point. God's people are gotten to this point. God's people are gotten to this point. God's people are enslaved. Their children are being enslaved. Their children are being enslaved. Their children are being killed. killed. killed. And yet right into the middle of the And yet right into the middle of the And yet right into the middle of the darkness, darkness, darkness, as God has been moving and working as God has been moving and working as God has been moving and working through ordinary faithfulness and through ordinary faithfulness and through ordinary faithfulness and obedience, obedience, obedience, a baby is born. a baby is born. a baby is born. About this time, a man and woman from About this time, a man and woman from About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman the tribe of Levi got married. The woman the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. became pregnant and gave birth to a son. became pregnant and gave birth to a son. Notice how the text sets this up. Notice how the text sets this up. Notice how the text sets this up. There's no fanfare. There's no There's no fanfare. There's no There's no fanfare. There's no announcement or baby shower full of announcement or baby shower full of announcement or baby shower full of gifts. Just a baby boy born in secret gifts. Just a baby boy born in secret gifts. Just a baby boy born in secret into the most dangerous moment into the most dangerous moment into the most dangerous moment imaginable for any Israelite family. And imaginable for any Israelite family. And imaginable for any Israelite family. And yet, watch how the text does introduce yet, watch how the text does introduce yet, watch how the text does introduce this baby.

this baby. this baby. He was a a special baby. He was a a special baby. He was a a special baby. Words that I'm sure you've heard from Words that I'm sure you've heard from Words that I'm sure you've heard from every parent. every parent. every parent. But the Hebrew word there in particular But the Hebrew word there in particular But the Hebrew word there in particular is the word tov. It's the word good. is the word tov. It's the word good. is the word tov. It's the word good. The same word that God speaks over and The same word that God speaks over and The same word that God speaks over and over in Genesis 1 as he looks at over in Genesis 1 as he looks at over in Genesis 1 as he looks at creation. Don't miss this. Moses is creation. Don't miss this. Moses is creation. Don't miss this. Moses is introduced as a continuation of God's introduced as a continuation of God's introduced as a continuation of God's good unfolding story. good unfolding story. good unfolding story. Like Pharaoh may be trying all his might Like Pharaoh may be trying all his might Like Pharaoh may be trying all his might to erase things, but God's story is to erase things, but God's story is to erase things, but God's story is still being written. still being written. still being written. And so, Moses' mom kept him hidden for 3 And so, Moses' mom kept him hidden for 3 And so, Moses' mom kept him hidden for 3 months. months. months. And just for a minute, even as God is And just for a minute, even as God is And just for a minute, even as God is working behind the scenes and working working behind the scenes and working working behind the scenes and working through the faithful obedience of through the faithful obedience of through the faithful obedience of ordinary people, I want you to think ordinary people, I want you to think ordinary people, I want you to think about the reality of what those 3 months about the reality of what those 3 months about the reality of what those 3 months would have brought. would have brought. would have brought. That every cry would have created a That every cry would have created a That every cry would have created a sense of panic. sense of panic. sense of panic. That every knock at the door raised That every knock at the door raised That every knock at the door raised fear. That every day carried real life fear. That every day carried real life fear. That every day carried real life or death risk. or death risk. or death risk. And eventually, the baby that she's held And eventually, the baby that she's held And eventually, the baby that she's held and fed and prayed over and sung to in and fed and prayed over and sung to in and fed and prayed over and sung to in secret has grown too big to hide any secret has grown too big to hide any secret has grown too big to hide any longer.

longer. longer. And his mother is led to a moment where And his mother is led to a moment where And his mother is led to a moment where faith means releasing what she cannot faith means releasing what she cannot faith means releasing what she cannot control any longer into the hands of the control any longer into the hands of the control any longer into the hands of the God that she trusts. God that she trusts. God that she trusts. And so, she got a basket made of papyrus And so, she got a basket made of papyrus And so, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and reeds and waterproofed it with tar and reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. pitch. pitch. And she put the baby in the basket and And she put the baby in the basket and And she put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank laid it among the reeds along the bank laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. of the Nile River. of the Nile River. There's a detail here worth pausing on. There's a detail here worth pausing on. There's a detail here worth pausing on. The word used here for basket, it's not The word used here for basket, it's not The word used here for basket, it's not the ordinary Hebrew word for basket. the ordinary Hebrew word for basket. the ordinary Hebrew word for basket. It's only used twice really in all of It's only used twice really in all of It's only used twice really in all of scripture. And so, to nerd out with us, scripture. And so, to nerd out with us, scripture. And so, to nerd out with us, listen, the only other time that this listen, the only other time that this listen, the only other time that this very word is used is the same word to very word is used is the same word to very word is used is the same word to describe Noah's ark. describe Noah's ark. describe Noah's ark. Both are even waterproofed the same way. Both are even waterproofed the same way. Both are even waterproofed the same way. If you were to flip back to Genesis 6 If you were to flip back to Genesis 6 If you were to flip back to Genesis 6 with tar and pitch. with tar and pitch. with tar and pitch. God once preserved Noah through the God once preserved Noah through the God once preserved Noah through the waters in an ark. And now, he preserves waters in an ark. And now, he preserves waters in an ark. And now, he preserves Moses through the waters that were Moses through the waters that were Moses through the waters that were supposed to be his death. supposed to be his death. supposed to be his death. But he's preserving Moses now in his own But he's preserving Moses now in his own But he's preserving Moses now in his own little ark. little ark. little ark. And is carrying out another story of And is carrying out another story of And is carrying out another story of deliverance in the midst of chaos.

deliverance in the midst of chaos. deliverance in the midst of chaos. As we read on, Moses is found in his As we read on, Moses is found in his As we read on, Moses is found in his basket by none other than guess who, the basket by none other than guess who, the basket by none other than guess who, the daughter of Pharaoh himself, the very daughter of Pharaoh himself, the very daughter of Pharaoh himself, the very man trying to kill him. And he's taken man trying to kill him. And he's taken man trying to kill him. And he's taken in by her and raised right under in by her and raised right under in by her and raised right under Pharaoh's nose in his own palace. You Pharaoh's nose in his own palace. You Pharaoh's nose in his own palace. You might wonder why how did she pull that might wonder why how did she pull that might wonder why how did she pull that off? Well, in fact, the name that off? Well, in fact, the name that off? Well, in fact, the name that Pharaoh's daughter gives him, Moses, Pharaoh's daughter gives him, Moses, Pharaoh's daughter gives him, Moses, could really be another act of God's could really be another act of God's could really be another act of God's deliverance in this moment. Like in deliverance in this moment. Like in deliverance in this moment. Like in Hebrew, that name means to to draw out a Hebrew, that name means to to draw out a Hebrew, that name means to to draw out a picture of her pulling him out of the picture of her pulling him out of the picture of her pulling him out of the Nile River. Nile River. Nile River. And one day, if you think about it, so And one day, if you think about it, so And one day, if you think about it, so beautifully, like he would be a part of beautifully, like he would be a part of beautifully, like he would be a part of drawing God's people out of Egypt. drawing God's people out of Egypt. drawing God's people out of Egypt. But in Egyptian, Moses also had a But in Egyptian, Moses also had a But in Egyptian, Moses also had a meaning as a name. It meant son of meaning as a name. It meant son of meaning as a name. It meant son of with no father identified. with no father identified. with no father identified. It's almost as if Moses' name allowed It's almost as if Moses' name allowed It's almost as if Moses' name allowed him to live in obscurity in the palace. him to live in obscurity in the palace. him to live in obscurity in the palace. Like belonging to both worlds, learning Like belonging to both worlds, learning Like belonging to both worlds, learning Egyptian language and customs and power Egyptian language and customs and power Egyptian language and customs and power structures right under Pharaoh's nose structures right under Pharaoh's nose structures right under Pharaoh's nose that God would use in ways that no one that God would use in ways that no one that God would use in ways that no one could have planned.

could have planned. could have planned. Yes, only God can work like this. Yes, only God can work like this. Yes, only God can work like this. Like working behind the scenes and Like working behind the scenes and Like working behind the scenes and through ordinary faithfulness while also through ordinary faithfulness while also through ordinary faithfulness while also positioning us perfectly in places and positioning us perfectly in places and positioning us perfectly in places and environments like a a basket in the environments like a a basket in the environments like a a basket in the river or the palace of the enemy, in river or the palace of the enemy, in river or the palace of the enemy, in environments that will prepare us for a environments that will prepare us for a environments that will prepare us for a calling and an influence that he has for calling and an influence that he has for calling and an influence that he has for us and our families or our schools or us and our families or our schools or us and our families or our schools or our workplaces or or even our church. our workplaces or or even our church. our workplaces or or even our church. I even even taking destruction and pain I even even taking destruction and pain I even even taking destruction and pain in our lives and somehow bringing out in our lives and somehow bringing out in our lives and somehow bringing out life from it. life from it. life from it. Many of us maybe can recognize that Many of us maybe can recognize that Many of us maybe can recognize that pattern in our own lives. Like it's the pattern in our own lives. Like it's the pattern in our own lives. Like it's the the job you thought that was just a the job you thought that was just a the job you thought that was just a paycheck where actually you learned how paycheck where actually you learned how paycheck where actually you learned how to lead and develop people. to lead and develop people. to lead and develop people. Or it's the disappointment that you Or it's the disappointment that you Or it's the disappointment that you never asked for that taught you never asked for that taught you never asked for that taught you compassion. compassion. compassion. Or it's the season that you begged God Or it's the season that you begged God Or it's the season that you begged God to remove that developed a strength and to remove that developed a strength and to remove that developed a strength and a dependency on him that you didn't know a dependency on him that you didn't know a dependency on him that you didn't know you needed and allowed you to share with you needed and allowed you to share with you needed and allowed you to share with others what he's given you. others what he's given you. others what he's given you. Yes, God wastes nothing.

Yes, God wastes nothing. Yes, God wastes nothing. He wastes neither pain nor waiting nor He wastes neither pain nor waiting nor He wastes neither pain nor waiting nor disappointment. He often uses the very disappointment. He often uses the very disappointment. He often uses the very thing that we understand the least in thing that we understand the least in thing that we understand the least in our lives to prepare us for what he our lives to prepare us for what he our lives to prepare us for what he intends to do through us. intends to do through us. intends to do through us. And before God does something through a And before God does something through a And before God does something through a leader, he almost always positions them leader, he almost always positions them leader, he almost always positions them perfectly to do something in that leader perfectly to do something in that leader perfectly to do something in that leader for their calling. for their calling. for their calling. Your life, Southeast, is always leading Your life, Southeast, is always leading Your life, Southeast, is always leading and pointing somewhere. and pointing somewhere. and pointing somewhere. Especially in the places that God Especially in the places that God Especially in the places that God currently has you planted. currently has you planted. currently has you planted. Because God moves by positioning us Because God moves by positioning us Because God moves by positioning us perfectly perfectly perfectly before he calls us. before he calls us. before he calls us. Katniss Everdeen, Katniss Everdeen, Katniss Everdeen, Luke Skywalker, Frodo Baggins, Luke Skywalker, Frodo Baggins, Luke Skywalker, Frodo Baggins, here's what's true about every single here's what's true about every single here's what's true about every single one of those stories, the the leader one of those stories, the the leader one of those stories, the the leader never saw it coming in terms of how never saw it coming in terms of how never saw it coming in terms of how their lives would play out and their lives would play out and their lives would play out and ultimately the the leader that they ultimately the the leader that they ultimately the the leader that they would become. would become. would become. And their stories, if you think about And their stories, if you think about And their stories, if you think about it, they didn't begin with a dramatic it, they didn't begin with a dramatic it, they didn't begin with a dramatic announcement or a a commissioning announcement or a a commissioning announcement or a a commissioning ceremony. They began in an ordinary ceremony. They began in an ordinary ceremony. They began in an ordinary place place place with ordinary lives and ordinary with ordinary lives and ordinary with ordinary lives and ordinary problems with preparation they could not problems with preparation they could not problems with preparation they could not see.

see. see. And in the same way, Exodus 1 and 2 And in the same way, Exodus 1 and 2 And in the same way, Exodus 1 and 2 begin and end rather quietly. begin and end rather quietly. begin and end rather quietly. Like there's no burning bush, there's no Like there's no burning bush, there's no Like there's no burning bush, there's no plagues, there's no sea splitting open plagues, there's no sea splitting open plagues, there's no sea splitting open yet, just a baby in a basket floating in yet, just a baby in a basket floating in yet, just a baby in a basket floating in a river and being brought into Pharaoh's a river and being brought into Pharaoh's a river and being brought into Pharaoh's palace. But behind it all, palace. But behind it all, palace. But behind it all, God was working even when it didn't seem God was working even when it didn't seem God was working even when it didn't seem like it. like it. like it. And working through the courage of two And working through the courage of two And working through the courage of two women most people would have never women most people would have never women most people would have never noticed and through a faithful mother noticed and through a faithful mother noticed and through a faithful mother along the banks of the Nile and a a along the banks of the Nile and a a along the banks of the Nile and a a household of the enemy king like quietly household of the enemy king like quietly household of the enemy king like quietly positioning his unexpected leader for positioning his unexpected leader for positioning his unexpected leader for something no one could have scripted. something no one could have scripted. something no one could have scripted. And honestly, like that's the story he And honestly, like that's the story he And honestly, like that's the story he may be writing in your life right now. may be writing in your life right now. may be writing in your life right now. Like some of us are waiting for the Like some of us are waiting for the Like some of us are waiting for the moment when everything seems to finally moment when everything seems to finally moment when everything seems to finally make sense. make sense. make sense. Like when our lives finally feel like Like when our lives finally feel like Like when our lives finally feel like we've reached that place of impactful we've reached that place of impactful we've reached that place of impactful mattering and influence and service for mattering and influence and service for mattering and influence and service for the kingdom. Like once I get the the kingdom. Like once I get the the kingdom. Like once I get the promotion or or once the kids are old promotion or or once the kids are old promotion or or once the kids are old enough and I have more time or or once enough and I have more time or or once enough and I have more time or or once life settles down, like then I'll really life settles down, like then I'll really life settles down, like then I'll really know what God has for me and be ready to know what God has for me and be ready to know what God has for me and be ready to step out boldly.

step out boldly. step out boldly. Because listen, God was already active, Because listen, God was already active, Because listen, God was already active, already using ordinary people, and already using ordinary people, and already using ordinary people, and already positioning Moses long before already positioning Moses long before already positioning Moses long before Moses could possibly have any idea. Moses could possibly have any idea. Moses could possibly have any idea. And God is active even when you can't And God is active even when you can't And God is active even when you can't see it. see it. see it. And he uses those ordinary people, And he uses those ordinary people, And he uses those ordinary people, people just like you to lead and advance people just like you to lead and advance people just like you to lead and advance his purposes through faithfulness, and his purposes through faithfulness, and his purposes through faithfulness, and he may just be positioning you right now he may just be positioning you right now he may just be positioning you right now in this season, in these circumstances, in this season, in these circumstances, in this season, in these circumstances, for something only he can see. for something only he can see. for something only he can see. Where you will influence and inspire and Where you will influence and inspire and Where you will influence and inspire and point others around you in your spheres point others around you in your spheres point others around you in your spheres of life to Jesus in ways that you don't of life to Jesus in ways that you don't of life to Jesus in ways that you don't realize even the impact of. realize even the impact of. realize even the impact of. Listen, your life Southeast is already Listen, your life Southeast is already Listen, your life Southeast is already leading and pointing somewhere right leading and pointing somewhere right leading and pointing somewhere right now. now. now. Like in this season, in this job, these Like in this season, in this job, these Like in this season, in this job, these family dynamics, this neighborhood, this family dynamics, this neighborhood, this family dynamics, this neighborhood, this marriage, every choice, every marriage, every choice, every marriage, every choice, every conversation, every decision, everything conversation, every decision, everything conversation, every decision, everything you intentionally and unintentionally you intentionally and unintentionally you intentionally and unintentionally model to those around you. model to those around you. model to those around you. And in this season of waiting or And in this season of waiting or And in this season of waiting or exhaustion or clinging to faithfulness, exhaustion or clinging to faithfulness, exhaustion or clinging to faithfulness, your life is already leading and your life is already leading and your life is already leading and pointing somewhere.

pointing somewhere. pointing somewhere. And he may be using this very season to And he may be using this very season to And he may be using this very season to shape the kind of influence that one day shape the kind of influence that one day shape the kind of influence that one day uniquely through you points others uniquely through you points others uniquely through you points others towards Jesus in some of the simplest towards Jesus in some of the simplest towards Jesus in some of the simplest yet powerful ways that you can't begin yet powerful ways that you can't begin yet powerful ways that you can't begin to imagine. to imagine. to imagine. The question is never, hey, am I leader? The question is never, hey, am I leader? The question is never, hey, am I leader? The question is, The question is, The question is, what kind of leader am I? what kind of leader am I? what kind of leader am I? Or rather, what kind of leader may God Or rather, what kind of leader may God Or rather, what kind of leader may God be forming me more and more into. be forming me more and more into. be forming me more and more into. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. God, we thank you. God, we thank you. God, we thank you. We thank you that you are the ultimate We thank you that you are the ultimate We thank you that you are the ultimate leader leader leader who works behind the scenes, who works who works behind the scenes, who works who works behind the scenes, who works through ordinary faithfulness, who through ordinary faithfulness, who through ordinary faithfulness, who positions us in perfect places to be positions us in perfect places to be positions us in perfect places to be formed and shaped more and more into the formed and shaped more and more into the formed and shaped more and more into the leaders that you have called us to be leaders that you have called us to be leaders that you have called us to be and made us to be. and made us to be. and made us to be. And so And so And so Father, we thank you Father, we thank you Father, we thank you for the words of of Exodus today, of the for the words of of Exodus today, of the for the words of of Exodus today, of the story of the Israelites in Egypt and story of the Israelites in Egypt and story of the Israelites in Egypt and Moses as a baby. We pray Moses as a baby. We pray Moses as a baby. We pray that these would be truths that we cling that these would be truths that we cling that these would be truths that we cling to.

to. to. That we hold on to and have eyes open to That we hold on to and have eyes open to That we hold on to and have eyes open to the ways that you may be moving even the ways that you may be moving even the ways that you may be moving even when we can't see it, even when we least when we can't see it, even when we least when we can't see it, even when we least expect it. expect it. expect it. Help us to have eyes to see the world Help us to have eyes to see the world Help us to have eyes to see the world around us around us around us that we are all leaders that we are all leaders that we are all leaders and that we, through the power of your and that we, through the power of your and that we, through the power of your spirit, have the ability to step into spirit, have the ability to step into spirit, have the ability to step into places and spaces and make an impact for places and spaces and make an impact for places and spaces and make an impact for the kingdom even now. the kingdom even now. the kingdom even now. Father, we love you. Father, we love you. Father, we love you. It's in the name of Jesus that we pray. It's in the name of Jesus that we pray. It's in the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.