LEADING FROM THE MIDDLE
In 2 Samuel 23, three mighty men risked everything to bring David water from Bethlehem’s well—fighting through enemy lines just to meet the thirst of their leader. And when they finally return, victorious and battered, David…pours it out.
It’s a wild story. But it teaches a leadership principle many of us miss: obedience is our responsibility. The outcome belongs to God.
CHASING THE THIRST OF YOUR LEADER
Every leader has a “thirst”—a vision God has given them that needs to be carried out. As those who lead from the middle, our job is not to create our own vision, but to carry the one we’ve been given. That means identifying what our leader is thirsting for and saying:
“Here’s what God has gifted me to do. I’m bringing my best to help you chase that.”
When you know your gift, you walk differently. You serve confidently. You stop seeking validation because you understand: if God gave me this, I can’t lose with it.
THE POWER OF DELEGATION AND UNITY
Just like those three mighty men didn’t all fight or carry the bucket the same way, effective leadership requires diverse gifts working in unison. One may guard. One may run. One may carry. But all are chasing the same outcome.
When you lead from the middle, you’ll have followers too. Don't hoard the vision. Pass it on. Equip others. Be transparent. Say, “This isn’t my strong suit—but you’re amazing at it. I need you.”
Insecure leaders stunt growth. Courageous leaders release others into purpose.
YOU’RE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENS TO THE WATER
Here’s where many get tripped up: they bring their gift, give their all—and watch the leader “pour it out.” Maybe it feels wasted. Maybe it doesn’t make sense. But that’s not your concern.
Your obedience is to God. What your leader does with the “water” is between them and the Lord. If they mishandle it, God will deal with them.
We’re too often stressed over things that are above our pay grade. Trust God’s authority structure. He sees. He knows. And if needed, He will remove, redirect, or reposition you.
OBEDIENCE OVER OPPORTUNITY
When you’re gifted, opportunities will come. Good ones. Maybe even great ones.
I was offered a radio job in Milwaukee—prime time slot, new station, big exposure. The billboard with my picture on it was already in the works! And then I received a phone call inviting me to come pastor Journey Church Beach Park.
Same gift. But very different paths. So I had to ask: Which opportunity has the most Kingdom impact?
I chose the church. I chose God’s thirst over my own. And I’ve never looked back.
FINAL THOUGHTS
You were born for this.
You are gifted for this.
Your gift—no matter what it is—is mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds. Whether you’re holding the sword or holding the bucket, your role matters.
So chase the thirst of your leader. Use your gifts in the lane God assigned you. And don’t stress about what happens with the water—just be faithful to bring it.
God will handle the rest.
Watch the Full Message: “Leading From the Middle.”
This teaching originally comes from the Plain English with Pastor Jay YouTube channel, where we explore biblical leadership, spiritual growth, and practical ways to live out God’s truth.
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