How to Lead with Humility and Perseverance: Lessons from the Life of Moses

by Minister Denise N. Fyffe

Moses is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, revered as a prophet, leader, and lawgiver. His life, spanning from the courts of Egypt to the wilderness of Sinai, offers profound lessons on leadership, humility, and perseverance. Despite his initial reluctance, Moses became the instrument through which God delivered the Israelites from bondage in Egypt and led them to the brink of the Promised Land.

Today, I want to explore key moments in Moses’ life, offering insights on how we can lead with humility and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Moses’ Background

Moses’ life can be divided into three distinct periods, each lasting forty years: his early life in Egypt, his time in Midian, and his leadership of the Israelites in the wilderness. Born into a Hebrew family during a time of oppression, Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the Egyptian royal court.

However, after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to Midian, where he lived as a shepherd. It was in Midian that God called Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people to freedom.

Encouragement: God has a Midian for You!

I want to pause right here to encourage you.

It does not matter how badly you mess up in life. God has a Midian for you, if you are willing.

In Midian, Moses sat down by a well. There, he encountered the daughters of a priest of Midian who were drawing water for their father’s flock. Moses helped them when some shepherds tried to drive them away. Grateful, the priest invited Moses to stay with them. Moses eventually married one of the priest’s daughters, Zipporah.

During this time, Moses also had a son named Gershom, which means “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land” (Exodus 2:22).

Midian served as Moses’ sanctuary during a critical period of his life. It was a place of refuge, where he married and started a family. The events in Midian eventually led to Moses’ pivotal role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt during the Exodus, during the last 40 years of his life.

That can also happen to you!

If you are willing and open your heart to God, he can take you from the pit to the pulpit as they say. He can take you from the low places to the Mount Everest of your life. He can lead you directly into your destiny!

 

The Call of Moses: Reluctance and Obedience

Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush is one of the most pivotal moments in his life. When God called Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, Moses was hesitant and full of doubts about his ability to lead.

In Exodus 3:11, Moses questions his suitability for the task:

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’”

Despite his initial reluctance, Moses eventually obeyed God’s call, albeit with continued doubts about his speaking ability. In response to Moses’ concerns, God reassured him in Exodus 4:12:

“Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”

This exchange highlights Moses’ humility—a recognition of his own limitations—and God’s provision of the necessary strength and ability. Moses’ story teaches us that true leadership begins with humility, acknowledging our weaknesses while trusting in God’s empowerment.

Leading Through Trials: The Exodus and the Wilderness Journey

Moses’ leadership was marked by extraordinary challenges, beginning with the task of convincing Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Through a series of plagues, God demonstrated His power, and Moses faithfully conveyed God’s commands to Pharaoh. Despite Pharaoh’s hardened heart, Moses persevered, and eventually, the Israelites were freed.

The crossing of the Red Sea is a dramatic demonstration of God’s power and Moses’ faith. When the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, Moses encouraged them to trust in God’s deliverance.

In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses declares:

“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

God parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, and then closed the waters over the pursuing Egyptians. This event not only delivered the Israelites from their enemies but also established Moses as a leader through whom God worked mightily. Moses’ faith and perseverance during this crisis are key lessons for any leader facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, Moses continued to lead with patience and perseverance, despite the constant complaints and rebellions of the people. One of the most notable instances of this is recorded in Numbers 14, where the Israelites, fearing the inhabitants of Canaan, rebel against Moses’ leadership. Despite their lack of faith, Moses intercedes on their behalf, pleading with God to spare them. This act of intercession reveals Moses’ deep love for the people he led and his commitment to their well-being, even when they were difficult to lead.

Humility in Leadership: The Incident at Meribah

Moses’ humility is perhaps most evident in the incident at Meribah, where his human limitations became painfully clear. In Numbers 20:7-12, the Israelites once again grumbled against Moses and Aaron because of a lack of water. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, but in his frustration, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. Although water flowed from the rock, God rebuked Moses for not honoring Him as holy before the people. As a result, Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land.

This event underscores the importance of humility in leadership. Despite all his successes, Moses’ moment of disobedience cost him dearly. Yet, even in this, Moses’ life teaches us the value of accepting God’s correction with humility and the need for continual reliance on God’s grace in leadership.

Legacy and Leadership Transition

As Moses neared the end of his life, he prepared the Israelites for the transition of leadership to Joshua. In Deuteronomy 31:7-8, Moses encouraged Joshua before all Israel:

“Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.’”

Moses’ willingness to pass the mantle of leadership to Joshua without jealousy or bitterness speaks to his humility and his trust in God’s plan. His example reminds us that true leadership is not about personal glory but about faithfully fulfilling God’s purposes and preparing others to continue the work.

Key Lessons from Moses’ Life

Moses’ life offers several key lessons on how to lead with humility and perseverance. First, his initial reluctance to accept God’s call teaches us that humility is an essential quality in leadership. Recognizing our limitations allows us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own.

Second, Moses’ perseverance through trials, whether facing Pharaoh or leading a rebellious people, shows that true leadership requires steadfastness and faith, even when the path is difficult. His reliance on God’s guidance during these times is a model for all who face leadership challenges.

Finally, Moses’ acceptance of God’s correction at Meribah and his willingness to pass on leadership to Joshua highlight the importance of humility and grace in leadership. His life reminds us that leadership is about serving God and others, not seeking our own glory.

Wrap Up

The life of Moses is a powerful example of how to lead, specifically with humility and perseverance. His journey from the courts of Egypt to the wilderness of Sinai teaches us that true leadership is rooted in humility, sustained by perseverance, and guided by a deep trust in God. As we face our own leadership challenges, may we draw strength from Moses’ example, leading with the same humility and perseverance that marked his life and ministry.

I hope you find this bible study beneficial and that the Word of God works effectively in your life.

Be encouraged and stay blessed.

 

---

The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look and think about your life. Is God calling you to be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step? How can you trust that he will help you to take the next step?

Be encouraged.

Be bold. Answer the Call.

In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

Before you go, please remember to like. Share and click the Follow button. Subscribe and support our ministry and website. Also, you can visit the Bookstore page to purchase any of the books there.  Thanks for your support.

And remember, be encouraged.

---

About the writer:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission. She shares her journey and knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in ministry outreach. She also engages in Christian mentorship and ministering the Word of God.