Been reading Deuteronomy and just about finished up.  I am at the end of Moses’ life and at the beginning of Joshua’s term as leader of Israel.

Moses, possibly the greatest prophet of all time.

Had a great upbringing.  As Pharaoh’s son he had a great education, good food, fun, and maybe not an easy life but a secure one.  Little did he know that not too far away his family and people were living in slavery under horrible conditions.

I think about how at early middle age he had his conversion.  He saw the injustice of his people and when he acted out of anger he killed an Egyptian gaurd, fled the country and lived as a Shepherd for 40 yrs.  God found him, confirmed a conviction in his heart and sent him to free his people.

He got them out of Egypt by miracles performed by God.  Combated continuous idolatry by the people. Gave them the law (not just the 10 commandments). Lead them in battles against hostile city-states. Begged God not to kill the Hebrews when He had just about had enough. Then at the end of his life at 120 after 40 years of service was not allowed into the promise land because of past sins.

This leader of leaders had a rough life………….right?

Well, when you think of it he got a 1/3 of his life living as a prince and another 1/3 being secluded and left alone as a shepherd.  About 80 years of peace and quiet…

Yep, it’s all about perspective you see.  We associate with they guy.  We’re like, “Common God, that’s harsh.”  But how quickly we forget about the 80 yrs of being left alone and doing what he wants.

As leaders, I hate to say it, we like to complain.  We have a tendency to be like, “Woe is us…”  In reality it is a privilege and honor to serve God. We are not owed anything by God.  The fact that we live and breathe is because God blesses us with another day.  That is called grace freely given.  Doing works for earthly rewards is not too smart.

Next time you think about what a rough time you are having keep it in perspective.  Especially if you are a leader.  I venture to say that your life hasn’t always been rough.