O Mighty Warrior
Wisdom for Leaders and for Those Who Mentor
by
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SEEING POTENTIAL
Gideon was minding his own business, doing his regular job despite the difficult times that he lived in. The Midianites were in control, causing God’s people much suffering. You may recall the story of an angel appearing before Gideon and calling out to him, “Oh Mighty Warrior!” Who me? I wondered about Gideon’s thoughts as he looked at the angel with the deer in the headlights stare. Surely the angel has to be talking about somebody else.
God needed Gideon to step up to be the leader to help His people, knowing that Mr. Unknown has vast potential. God sees us for what we will become, not for who we are right now. The Almighty wants us to grow, to realize our potential. The same is true for you and me.
One area where God has gifted me is seeing potential in people. My eyes are always scanning the crowd looking for individuals with potential. We need future leaders and they need to be recognized and developed.
For example, in 2001, a young Romanian student enrolled in our Bible Institute in Hungary. I noticed him on the first day, snapping my fingers, saying aloud, “This young man has tons of potential!” One of my top staff members overheard my statement and he started focusing on the young guy. Later in the year at a banquet, Iulian Avramescu came to my table to serve me my favorite drink at that time, Pepsi Maxx. Smiling, I said, “You’re the future!” I had no idea at that time that we would be working together six years later. In fact, he is directing our work in Romania today, doing an outstanding job. At this point, he has been designated as the future leader in our organization in the event that something would happen to me. Yes, he is the future!
Look for leadership qualities, teachability, a combination of boldness and humility, a growing love for God. There are more qualities, but this is a good start. Then spend time with that person to take him to the next level. I call it getting him from point A to point B, then to point C and so forth.
Keep your eyes open for certain potential leaders who can take secondary roles. Not everyone can play the role of the second man, the assistant director, the Joshua position. This is how to build a team, that is, looking for young leaders who can minister in different roles on a team. You look for loyalty, team spirit, dedication, a work ethic, a penchant for excellence.
Yes, there have been some flame-outs along the way. But, I’ve seen some superstar leaders developed as well. In fact, I have several stories I would love to tell you regarding these superstars. I am blessed as I watch them from afar or up close. Love it!
Keep your eyes peeled—be on the lookout for potential leaders—there are Mighty Warriors out there. Pray that God will lead you to them.
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About the Book
“Been there, done that.” As Eric Murphy often says, “Now, it’s time to teach young adults how to go there and do that!” The author has faced numerous difficult situations yet moved forward with a smile on his face despite different individuals telling him that some goals were impossible—only to see God bless and provide again and again, time after time. You will be encouraged as you read how to deal with the loss of a key staff member or the death of a wife. Practical, how-to-do-it instructions are given on how to train young staff members, with a focus on mentoring. You will discover that God can use you in whatever task he has given you to do. O Mighty Warrior will teach you to not only believe in yourself but also to trust in our mighty God, who will give you the power and strength to serve.
About the Author
Eric Murphy is the founder and international director of Life Impact For Eternity, a mission focused on impacting young people. Serving more than 40 years as a missionary, pastor, entrepreneur, youth and music minister more than 18,000 have made life changing decisions for Jesus Christ. Pioneering the development of a youth camp in communist Hungary, God used Eric to build up a very popular youth camp, conference center and bible institute after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Eric and his wife, Stephanie, are based in Jacksonville, Florida, and travel extensively to numerous countries in their ministry.