Clarity also means understanding we can’t save anyone with our own strength. It means understanding that some people are also not ready to be rescued from their problems.
Pam Farrel, in her book Woman of Influence: Ten Traits of Those Who Want to Make a Difference, said: “I learned that if I always performed a rescue, the woman never learned to lean on God. … I now realize that I shouldn’t work harder at a person’s recovery than she is willing to work.”
We are not the Savior of those who are in need. We need to point them to Jesus. Our efforts will not fix them. We can only help. Each young woman must be willing to do that hard work by herself. She must stand before Jesus alone. Accept that, and release the burden to Jesus.
Rest
Leaders give a lot of themselves, and our leadership role is just one aspect of our lives. We are wives and moms. We have jobs and we care for our home. We are church and community members. That’s a lot!
Pam Farrel also says in Woman of Influence, “Sometimes it’s not a spiritual problem; you just need a nap!”
If you don’t have clarity, strength or faith in your ministry, sometimes it’s not a spiritual problem but rather a physical need for rest. We need to take care of ourselves. We must sleep when we’re tired, eat food that will fuel our bodies, move and enjoy life!
When we are completely worn out, we can’t serve anyone. When we are tired, we will make rash and foolish decisions. When we are exhausted, we will want to give up. When we are at our wit’s end, we won’t show the love and compassion we should to the people we serve.
“It is in vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, and to eat the bread of hard toil, for He gives sleep to His beloved” (Ps. 127:2).
Truth
Being a leader is as much about what God wants to do with you as it is about them. God has ways He wants to grow you, mature you, stretch you and mold you. When you face challenges, He will be your answer. (He will give you the answers you need!)
The needs of the needy people you serve will bring you to your knees—where is exactly where you should be. Your worries and needs as a leader will take you to God for help and strength, and you’ll discover Him in ways you never have before!
God is forming you into the image of His son, and He’s using your leadership role to do it! It’s a blessing that you can join Him in this transforming work, starting with yourself!
Tricia Goyer has written more than 35 books, including both novels that delight and entertain readers and nonfiction titles that offer encouragement and hope. She has also published more than 500 articles in national publications such as Guideposts, Thriving Family, Proverbs 31, and HomeLife Magazine.
