Effective leaders have the persistence to overcome obstacles. Read Mark 2:1-12.

Jesus’ reputation as a teacher of God’s law and as a man who could heal the sick and perform other miracles had spread among the people. Crowds were getting so large whenever Jesus spoke in public that it became difficult for people to get their sick friends to Jesus for healing. When four men, carrying a man on a stretcher, tried to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus there was no possible way to get him through the crowds and into the house where Jesus was teaching. They did not give up; they climbed to the roof, tore a hole in the roof and lowered him into the room where Jesus was teaching and he was healed.

Great courage comes from great conviction in the leader’s relationship with God. Read Isaiah 63:11-14.

Moses led Israel during one of Israel’s most difficult times. What was Moses’ key to success? Isaiah recalls that Moses received his courage from his convictions. Moses’ relationship with God came first. That relationship established a foundation for his convictions and finally from his convictions came his courage to lead others without compromise.