July 21 – Leading Through Action, Not Just Words

 

1 Samuel 12:24

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.”

SITREP:

When leadership changes, confusion often follows. Loyalties shift, doubts rise, and clarity can fade. Samuel understood that. As he handed over authority to King Saul, he didn’t step back quietly—he gave Israel one final charge: Don’t forget who your real Commander is. This verse isn’t just a farewell—it’s a call to anchor leadership in reverence, service, and remembrance. It’s as relevant to battlefield leaders today as it was in ancient Israel.

Samuel had led Israel as prophet, judge, and spiritual guide. He’d been their voice of truth, their intercessor, and at times, their only moral compass. Now, with Saul taking the reins, Samuel steps aside but leaves behind a lasting order: Honor God, serve with your whole heart, and don’t forget what He’s done. This was no ceremonial send-off. It was a gut-check for every future leader in the ranks.

Breaking Down the Verse:

• “Be sure to fear the Lord…”
– Not fear like terror—but reverence. This is about knowing who really holds authority over your life and your decisions.

• “…and serve Him faithfully with all your heart;”
– Half-hearted leadership won’t hold. Faithfulness means total buy-in—your duty is to serve with integrity, even when no one’s checking.

• “Consider what great things He has done for you.”
– Remember your track record with God. Don’t lead from entitlement—lead from gratitude. Your story is part of His mission.

How This Applies to a Soldier’s Faith:

You’ve served under different leaders. You’ve seen some who led with presence and honor—and others who led with pride and ego. What made the difference? Usually, it wasn’t skill—it was heart.

Samuel’s words remind you:

·         To lead from reverence.
If God’s not the foundation of your leadership, the whole structure eventually cracks.

·         To serve from the heart.
People don’t follow titles. They follow authenticity. Give them a reason to trust you by giving God your full commitment.

·         To remember what you’ve survived.
Don’t forget the prayers that got answered. The doors that opened. The battles you didn’t win on your own. Lead with a memory of God’s faithfulness—and you’ll walk with humility and strength.

Whether you lead a platoon, a family, or a few battle-weary brothers trying to hold the line, your leadership speaks loudest when it echoes God’s priorities.

ENDEX:

You’ve got a mission—and it’s more than tactics. 1 Samuel 12:24 is your field order: Fear the Lord. Serve Him with everything you’ve got. And lead like someone who’s never forgotten who carried you this far. When your soldiers look at you, let them see more than a leader—let them see a man who knows where his strength comes from.

AAR:

What keeps you steady when the adrenaline fades and the spotlight dims? 1 Samuel 12:24 brings it back to the core: fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. Not part-time. Not when it’s convenient. Not when there’s applause. Faithfulness is forged when no one’s clapping and the grind keeps coming. Samuel tells Israel—and us—that the fuel for that kind of service is remembering what the Lord has done. Your challenge: Look back. List three things God has done in your life that you didn’t deserve. Let those memories drive your obedience this week, not feelings or circumstances.

Gratitude Fuels Grit

The battlefield gets loud, but the real fight is staying faithful when the noise dies down. 1 Samuel 12:24 isn’t a pep talk—it’s a command with roots. When you remember what God has done, it changes how you serve. You don’t drag your feet—you lean in. You don’t look for shortcuts—you stay locked in. Fear of the Lord isn’t terror—it’s reverent awe that pushes you to move with purpose. When your heart’s anchored in gratitude, your hands stay ready for the mission. That’s how soldiers of faith endure—by remembering the victories already won and staying faithful until the next one.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

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• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.