I never really thought of myself as a leader. Never. Even when I was in a leadership position I didn't think of myself as a leader. My first forays into the leadership realm came early on, even as early as high school. So, how does one lead when you don't see yourself as a leader? With a lot of second-guessing, apologizing for making a decision at all and steering decisions toward avoiding conflict. At least, that was my experience. I hope that doesn't sound familiar.
In college I was elected president of the musical theater club. How did that happen? People knew who I was because I had lead roles in musicals. A lead role does not qualify one to lead a club, but no one thinks about those things in college. My pride loved the fact that I had been elected, but after that I had no clue what to do and asking someone for help never occurred to me, so I hobbled through the year. I remember a conflict with one member of the club. I can't even remember what it was about, but I remember how I felt. I squirmed in my chair and couldn't wait for her to leave the room and for the whole thing to be done. When she did leave the room, she made sure to emphasize her displeasure by crushing her cigarette under her shoe as she left. I felt like a failure.
Why are experiences like that important? Because they reveal weaknesses. If that doesn't encourage you yet, let me put it this way: God will use those experiences to show us what we need to learn and then He will provide ways for us to grow in those areas. In the case of my musical theater club fiasco, the fact that I did not yet know HOW to lead a group did not mean that God had not called me to leadership. It simply meant that I had a lot to learn. A LOT to learn!
I have traveled many miles since my musical theater club days. More than I'd like to admit. But when I look back to that experience I marvel at where God has brought me. Between then and now He not only helped me understand that I really am called to leadership, but has taught me, and continues to teach me, how to lead.
Don't let your inexperience and insecurity keep you from moving forward in God's call on your life. Say YES to the work He wants to do in you as your weak areas are revealed and rely on His strength to help you grow into His call.
Key Thought: God reveals my weak areas so He can help me grow.
A Scripture to Consider: Psalm 119:73
A YES Challenge: As you take time to reflect on weak areas in your life, consider how God may be revealing them in order to help you grow.
Prayer:
Lord, I sure don't like to take time to think about my weak areas. It's a lot more fun to think about my strengths. Help me to recognize weak areas as an opportunity for growth. Guide me forward in Your purposes for me. I want to say YES even when I feel awkward or insecure. As long as I know that You are calling me forward, I will go. Amen.
In college I was elected president of the musical theater club. How did that happen? People knew who I was because I had lead roles in musicals. A lead role does not qualify one to lead a club, but no one thinks about those things in college. My pride loved the fact that I had been elected, but after that I had no clue what to do and asking someone for help never occurred to me, so I hobbled through the year. I remember a conflict with one member of the club. I can't even remember what it was about, but I remember how I felt. I squirmed in my chair and couldn't wait for her to leave the room and for the whole thing to be done. When she did leave the room, she made sure to emphasize her displeasure by crushing her cigarette under her shoe as she left. I felt like a failure.
Why are experiences like that important? Because they reveal weaknesses. If that doesn't encourage you yet, let me put it this way: God will use those experiences to show us what we need to learn and then He will provide ways for us to grow in those areas. In the case of my musical theater club fiasco, the fact that I did not yet know HOW to lead a group did not mean that God had not called me to leadership. It simply meant that I had a lot to learn. A LOT to learn!
I have traveled many miles since my musical theater club days. More than I'd like to admit. But when I look back to that experience I marvel at where God has brought me. Between then and now He not only helped me understand that I really am called to leadership, but has taught me, and continues to teach me, how to lead.
Don't let your inexperience and insecurity keep you from moving forward in God's call on your life. Say YES to the work He wants to do in you as your weak areas are revealed and rely on His strength to help you grow into His call.
Key Thought: God reveals my weak areas so He can help me grow.
A Scripture to Consider: Psalm 119:73
"Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands."
A YES Challenge: As you take time to reflect on weak areas in your life, consider how God may be revealing them in order to help you grow.
Prayer:
Lord, I sure don't like to take time to think about my weak areas. It's a lot more fun to think about my strengths. Help me to recognize weak areas as an opportunity for growth. Guide me forward in Your purposes for me. I want to say YES even when I feel awkward or insecure. As long as I know that You are calling me forward, I will go. Amen.