Leading can be challenging on the best of days.
How do you stay effective even if difficult situations?Effective leaders remain calm in the storm – they are a non-anxious presence.
Instead of allowing the environment to dictate their emotional state, they remain calm and focused. Their identity is secure in Christ. Their identity is not impacted by their surroundings or their performance or even their own sense of self.
Leading in a church may be the greatest calling possible: serving the LORD and his kingdom at the front line of ministry. We also know that Jesus promised that we would have troubles in the world and this includes pastors and church leaders. It is not a question of if you will face storms, but just a matter of when. Jesus promises as much. While you cannot control your circumstances, but you can control your response. This is your opportunity to be a non-anxious presence.
Ultimately, your identity in Christ is secure in all seasons and situations.
Recently, when facing a BIG challenge of my own, I started off well but soon fear and anxiety began to take hold. I started to doubt God’s promises and began to question myself and even God’s faithfulness. I needed to be reminded to stay focused on Jesus. Without his calming presence in my heart, I quickly start to worry. This initially affects me and, worse yet, my anxiety becomes contagious and aggravates those around me.
The prayers of trusted friends helped quiet my heart and bring me back to Christ’s truth.
Jesus provides many examples on this principle, including the story where he was napping when his disciples were in full panic mode during a storm, in Matthew 8:23-27 (ESV):
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”When faced with a “storm” in life or in ministry, it is vital to keep your focus on the Saviour who remains with you and is able to overcome whatever you are facing.
The key for your leadership is to remain focused on the Lord at all time, especially during the ‘storms’. This enables you to keep your head about you while others around may be losing theirs.
Who is there to remind you of God’s faithfulness and promises?
When the storms inevitably appear, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus will make all the difference.
