One of my favorite sports is bull riding. I’m no participant (in case you’re wondering), but I do enjoy watching the challenge of the rider and how completely “rank” some of the bulls are. It’s the only sport around that combines the following elements for getting a score:

• Compressed time frame — eight seconds
• The rider needs to spur on his competition (the bull) or his score gets docked
• Once the timer starts the rider is not in control of anything except his attempts at keeping his balance
• If the rider touches the bull with his free hand he is disqualified — no score is received

I love this picture of a bull rider as a depiction of leadership. We as leaders are often in situations where the only thing we can try to do is keep in balance when the world around us is in chaos. Our culture, our situation, our environment often appears to do everything in its power to buck us off, but our call as leaders is to remain in balance.

Today I want to look at eight "seconds" with influence. These are leaders from Scripture who were not in control of their situation, but who remained in balance and allowed God to do great things through them.

Joseph was second. Joseph had a leadership dream. In his dream Joseph was number one. But in the end Joseph realized that his dream would come true only as he began fulfilling the dream of another. Joseph remained in balance even though it took years before he began to see his dream come true.

Joshua was second. Joshua spent decades as Moses’ personal servant before he began to lead Israel. Because Joshua served Moses, he was privileged to see God on Mount Sinai and to spend time in God’s presence at the tent of meeting. But his role had its downsides as well. There was an opportunity when Joshua could have wagged his finger at Moses and said, "Why didn't you listen to me?" Instead the Scriptures clearly show how Joshua continued to support Moses and stay close to God even though he had been one of only two people confident they could have taken the Promised Land. Joshua remained in balance even when he may have wanted to say "I told you so."

Ruth was second. After a series of life-altering events that caused Ruth to be left alone with her mother-in-law, she continued to serve and be honorable. It’s difficult to be second when you don't know the full impact of your legacy. But had Ruth given up early, she would not have been listed in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. Ruth remained in balance even though she did not know what the future would hold.

Samuel was second. Eli was not even able to tell the difference between a woman who was crying out to God and someone who was drunk. But it was in this environment that Samuel learned to identify and obey the voice of God. It was this same voice that guided Samuel to anoint both Saul and David as the first two kings of Israel. Samuel remained in balance even though the man he served had some serious character flaws.

Ruth remained in balance even though she did not know what the future would hold.

Elisha was second. When Elijah was struggling with feeling alone and hunted, it was Elisha who the Lord led him to. Elisha would serve as Elijah’s support system. What an encouragement to Elijah that someone would leave their livelihood and family to follow and serve to the very end. Elisha remained in balance even when Elijah told him he was moving on — alone.

Nehemiah was second. Serving as the cupbearer for a king who rules your captive people is no small challenge. Nehemiah was trusted to be in the presence of the king as he discussed matters of state and entertained foreign dignitaries. Though this government did not honor Nehemiah’s God, his approach to helping rebuild the walls focused on prayer and favor. He didn’t whine, place blame, or leave secretly. Nehemiah stayed in balance by staying on his knees and serving with excellence.

Daniel was second. It’s one thing to find a leader to serve well under, but the challenge of doing that with foreign kings a total of three times is remarkable. Though Daniel was put in a place of foreign customs and religious practices and the leadership he served changed multiple times, Daniel remained in balance by keeping his focus on the Lord and because of his excellent spirit.

Will you be second? The Scriptures are full of people who were second in their roles. Peter, Timothy, Barnabas, David … the list could go on. My question to you is to take a moment and reflect on the people you serve. How can you honor God and those you serve in your role as a “second”?

What challenges are you currently facing that appear to throw you into chaos and attempt to buck you off, and how can you remain in balance?