Building confidence in your family business role

Over several weeks, we’ve seen a progression of confidence in Gideon: from at first hiding wheat in the winepress, then meeting God’s angel but trying to avoid His call, then tearing down the altar to Baal but doing it at night to avoid his community’s anger. Now, as Israel’s enemies are gathering, we see Gideon begin to lead:

Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East came together, and they crossed the Jordan and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. But the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, and they too were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them. (Judges 6:33-35)

I love the imagery of the Holy Spirit “clothing” Gideon as he begins to ask others to join him in the fight. The kid in me imagines Gideon suddenly turning into a superhero wearing gold armor and a cape, head held high with a trumpet in one hand and sword in the other. The adult in me, however, recognizes the progression of experience: from initial timidity to then trying, having some success, getting feedback or confirmation, and becoming more self-assured. Gideon is now ready to lead.

It seems to work that way in life and in business. We seek or are asked to do something new. We give it a shot, and our feelings and the feedback from others encourage us to take another step. At some point we achieve a level of mastery or confidence, and are ready to guide others. Our spiritual disciplines — prayer, reading, reflection, worship — encourage, protect, and “clothe” us on our journey.

In your experience and leadership roles, how has your confidence grown over time, and what helped in that growth? Have you ever sensed God's “clothing” or "equipping" you in your life and work?