DR. LANDON GALLOWAY

In Exodus 23, as Israel wandered through the wilderness, God spoke a powerful word to remind them that He had a plan—a plan that would lead them into the Promised Land. Notice, He didn’t say, if you make it; He said, when you make it. For a nation of wandering nomads, the Promised Land likely seemed a distant, impossible dream. Similarly, for many leaders today, the future can feel like a vast wilderness, filled with uncertainty. But just as God assured Israel, He is also speaking to us: we are going to make it.

If you feel like you’re struggling through a dry season, far from the promises God has spoken over your life, take heart. God is going before you, and He is still working on your behalf, even if the journey feels long and difficult. Exodus 23:23 (NIV) says, “My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out.” The land wasn’t empty; it was occupied. The Israelites faced nations much stronger and more established than they were, but God promised them victory.

As leaders, especially those called to guide others spiritually, we face a similar task. We are leading people to a place prepared for them by God, but that land is not free for the taking. It is occupied. Just as the Israelites had to contend with the Amorites and Hittites, we battle the forces of distraction, division, and temptation for the hearts and minds of those we lead. But here is the good news: we are not fighting this battle alone. God is with us, and His angel goes before us.

In leading our people into a new year, we can draw three critical lessons from Israel’s journey that will help us succeed in our God-given mission.

1. Appreciate the Power of Steady Progress

When we think of Israel’s journey into the Promised Land, it’s easy to imagine a swift, dramatic takeover. But God had a different plan. In Exodus 23:29-30, He tells them, “I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.” God deliberately chose to give the Israelites the land in stages. Why? Because if they took over too quickly, they wouldn’t have the capacity to manage it. The wild animals would overrun the territory, and the infrastructure left behind by the Canaanites would crumble.

This concept of “little by little” is critical for leaders today. We often expect immediate results. We want our ministries, businesses, and lives to thrive overnight. But God’s promises often unfold gradually. We may think God is saying, “No,” when He is actually saying, “Not yet.” True leadership understands the importance of steady, incremental progress.

Consider the example of running a marathon. It’s not a race you win in a single stride. Completing a marathon requires tens of thousands of steps. Each step may feel small in the moment, but they add up to something remarkable. In the same way, successful leadership in 2025 will require us to focus on small, faithful steps—showing up, staying the course, and being consistent in our efforts.

It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t move as quickly as we’d like. We want instant results in our prayer life, in our spiritual growth, or in our leadership roles. But God is not just interested in the destination; He’s interested in the process. He’s preparing us for the promises He has in store. So, don’t despise the day of small beginnings. Every step you take, every act of faithfulness, brings you closer to the promise.

2. Adopt a Mindset of Continuous Growth

God’s plan for Israel wasn’t just about giving them land; it was about increasing their capacity to handle it. In Exodus 23:30, He says, “Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.” The Israelites needed time to grow as a nation. They had to develop the strength and numbers necessary to occupy the land fully and defend it from surrounding enemies.

Leadership in 2025 demands the same mindset of continuous growth. God often withholds certain blessings or breakthroughs because we aren’t yet prepared to handle them. If we received all that we asked for too soon, it could overwhelm us. Imagine if you suddenly achieved all your goals—expanded your ministry, grew your business, or solved all your challenges—without the necessary growth to sustain that success. It would be like the Israelites receiving the land before they were ready; the wild animals, metaphorically speaking, would overrun you.

God’s delay is not His denial. It’s His wisdom in action. He’s giving us time to grow, to mature, and to develop the strength and resilience we’ll need for what’s coming next. The question is, are you preparing for the promises? Are you growing in your faith, your skills, your knowledge, and your leadership abilities?

Leaders who thrive in the coming years will be those who commit to continuous growth. Read more, pray more, invest in your personal development, and seek God for wisdom. As you grow, God will increase your capacity to handle the promises He has for you.

3. Embrace the Boundaries Given by God

In Exodus 23:31-33, God gives Israel clear boundaries for their territory, warning them not to make covenants with the nations they’re driving out. He establishes their borders and tells them to stay within them. Why? Because stepping outside those boundaries would lead them into sin and idolatry.

For leaders, embracing God-given boundaries is crucial. We all have a specific calling, a unique mission, and we are graced for a particular place. Trying to be all things to all people can stretch us too thin and lead us away from God’s plan. We need to be clear about who we are, what we’re called to do, and where we are supposed to be.

The church, or any organization for that matter, thrives when it operates within the boundaries of its mission. Jesus Himself modeled this beautifully. In John 6, after giving a hard teaching, many of His disciples turned away. Rather than softening His message to keep the crowd, He stayed true to His mission. He didn’t chase after those who left; He confronted them with the truth. And because He remained faithful to His calling, those who were meant to follow Him stayed, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

As leaders, we must also confront those who push against the boundaries of our mission. We cannot be afraid to say, “No,” or to set limits. We are called to lead within the framework God has given us. When we embrace these boundaries, we position ourselves to receive God’s full blessing.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to 2025, the challenges we face might seem daunting. The land is occupied. The obstacles are real. But just as God led Israel into the Promised Land, He is leading us into the future He has prepared for us.

By appreciating the power of steady progress, adopting a mindset of continuous growth, and embracing the boundaries God has set for us, we can lead with confidence, knowing that we will possess the promises He has for us. Just as He went before Israel, He goes before us. The journey may take time, and it may not always be easy, but in the end, we will inherit the land. So, keep taking small steps, keep growing, and stay faithful to your calling. The victory is already promised; it’s just a matter of time.