As leaders, we face the dichotomy of leading and being vulnerable. When this happens, we can so quickly forget about trusting God. We feel like we are unable to be vulnerable because we are leaders. The irony! Our self-confidence slowly dwindles and we soon shrink into a state of isolation for fear of being identified as unfit to lead. By not trusting in God to provide for us we decide to honor ourselves rather than our Creator.
Our lack of confidence resides in our inability to trust in God. Our failure to trust Him stems from our fear of losing control. Control gives way to the very nature that leads us to impulsively steward our lives into a direction we often deem appropriate. Many times this course is way off, leading to frustration, doubt, and a misunderstanding of God’s provision and plan.
Our Perceived Purposes Are So Different From What He Intends.
Isaiah 55:9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
We can lead with utter self-assurance and perceive our success to stem from our own genius. Or we can be attune to His leading, aligning our lives with His purpose and receiving promised assurance of hope and peace as we are a part of leadership. The only way to do this is to stay in close communication with Him, always expecting to find His guidance in one way or another.
Make Your Plans, But Know that Ultimately They Are Futile.
Isaiah 5:10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater.”
Leading our congregations or teams should always be accompanied by clear goals and planning. Without a vision, we have no foresight. Without a goal, we have no purpose. Without planning, we inevitably set ourselves up for failure, as unexpected outcomes will arise. That said, our perception of planning should always be based on a desire to include God in it all. In our position of leadership, we have to rely on our Creator, who through His Word can and will show us how to best lead and prepare. Although we cannot predict the outcome, He already knows it!
A Calling With A Purpose.
Isaiah 55:11: “So will my word be that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish that which I purpose, and will succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Our time as a leader is limited. Whether in church, at home, or at work. When we lose sight of why we were called to this position in the first place, we run the risk of failing to persevere until the end. Along the way, we miss out on countless opportunities to see God’s provision and leading first hand. When we look at our circumstances and get focused on outcomes, we fail to recognize the extent of our calling. By placing us in a leadership position, He also made a promise that his Word will go out and not return empty. He promised that He will accomplish what He set out to do. Leading from this understanding will give us so much perspective and help us to build confidence, not in ourselves, but in His ultimate plan.
So, whether you are leading in your family, in your workplace, in your community or in your church family, do so including God in all your plans. May God bless you on your journey.