Issue #22, January 4, 2010
At the beginning of the year I want to shift my focus and write you a personal note of encouragement. Leadership is a demanding and challenging task. Giving to others, serving them, laying down our lives, developing our own gifts and abilities, keeping our relationship with God fresh and growing, and helping others to grow are a few of the things servant leaders do on a regular basis. Decisions must be made daily with no guarantee of the outcome. It’s tough and sometimes seems like an impossible task.
No wonder Paul wrote, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) The Message translation says, “So let’s not allow ourselves to become fatigued doing good.” As a leader, Paul recognized that weariness and fatigue will come if we don’t keep a proper perspective and recognize the power of continually sowing right seeds.
As I write this, I think about the wide variety of places in which you lead. You may be the pastor of a large church, or leading a small group of believers. You may lead in your business or work as a teacher or in another profession. You may face the challenge of being faithful stewards of much or you may deal with daily needs that have not been adequately met. You may receive this eZine almost instantly on your phone; or you may walk several miles once a week to an internet café to check your email. You may live in a nation where you worship and express your faith openly or you may work in isolated places where you have faced physical persecution for your faith.
You may have faced personal health issues this year or walked with a loved one through grief and loss. You might have wrestled in prayer over a child not walking in the right path, felt the pain of betrayal from a close friend or the wrenching loss of the death of a loved one.
For leaders everywhere last year has been a difficult year with economic challenges. Some business leaders have needed to make painful choices to reduce their workforce or cut back on budgets. Likewise, many church and organizational leaders have also grappled with financial challenges and spent many a night wondering how to move forward.
In spite of our diversity, we are all leaders seeking to influence others with the heart of Jesus and on the journey we can grow weary. We are called to encourage others, but who encourages us?
Sometimes leaders find encouragement through outside sources like a book, seminar, or an eZine like this one. At other times, leaders must find ways to encourage themselves. David faced a huge personal loss and a great leadership challenge when he returned home to find that his town was destroyed and his wives had been taken captive. The record states, “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.”(1 Samuel 30:6) At this pivotal moment, David took time to get alone with God and found strength to continue his leadership journey.
I pray that at the close of this year, you will likewise find strength in the LORD your God. Take some time to be refreshed, experience healing from any pain of this year, find fresh or renewed vision, and then rise up with new energy to continue leading like Jesus in the coming months. Whatever you do, don’t stop doing good!
For further reflection and discussion:
- At the beginning of this year, is my leadership energy level high or low? Why?
- Have I honestly admitted to myself the things which have been difficult this year? Would it help to write them down or share them with a trusted friend?
- Am I taking time to find the encouragement I need to continue the journey?
- Are there things I need to change to renew my vision and direction for the coming year?
- Are there persons I should talk with who will help me find fresh direction?