Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the tag “anxiety”

18 Nov 2024

Do Not Be Afraid

While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:35-36 NIV

Jairus, a synagogue leader, had left his sick daughter at home to seek help from the healer – Jesus. He must have known how serious her condition was and that her recovery was tenuous at best. And now, having recruited help from the One who would heal his daughter, he was returning with Him to his dying daughter. But along the way, tragic news arrives from home – his daughter has died and the Healer was too late in arriving.

Jesus, upon overhearing the sad news from several of Jairus’ messengers and their counsel not to bother Jesus anymore, for the crisis was over and the outcome was heartbreaking, addresses Jairus. He exhorts him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Jairus now has a choice to make – believe the news and give way to fear or believe what Jesus was assuring him of – just believe in Me and it will all work out. It was time for Jairus to step up and step out in faith, or choose the logical path of loss and grief.

While we do not have Jairus’ verbal response to Jesus, we see that he continued on with Jesus back to his home in spite of the news that his daughter had passed. He chose to believe that Jesus could help – no doubt wondering what exactly He would do. He only had a promise – don’t give way to fear, just believe in Me and it will work out.

Kingdom leaders regularly face situations where plans do not go as hoped. The execution of what seemed so good and right when we began, now in light of our current reality seem tragically hopeless. What do we do? We fear failure, loss, embarrassment as we lead others through the ‘valley.’ Will we try and ‘fix it’ ourselves, relying upon our limited resources and ability? Is it continuing on in faith or just a stubborn refusal to admit defeat?

We humble ourselves, acknowledging that God does direct our steps and He has the right to determine whether our outcomes are accomplished in the ways we thought best or His unimagined ways. We do not demand our ways, but commit ourselves and our endeavors to His loving, perfect outcome for us. There are times when we proceed as before (i.e. Jairus) or there are times when we must adjust our plans. Both require faith and courage. The key is obeying His direction and the Spirit’s leading.

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT

Posted in #2 BE - Who a Leader Is and tagged , , , , , , ,
27 Jan 2020

Making Decisions According to God’s Will – 3

Because God is God, He will have no trouble in communicating to us what He wants us to do.  Our problem is doing God’s will, not knowing God’s will!  We must be willing to do whatever He desires for us, before He will let us know His plan for us.

Note, we are talking about major decisions in our lives, not things like, “What will I have for lunch today?”  But rather such decisions as, “Is God calling me into vocational ministry?”

The Lord uses five means to direct us into His will.  The first is the Word of God – the Bible.  The second is personal peace when you pray and reflect upon the decision.

In Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) we read, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”  The Spirit will confirm with your spirit that you are on the right path, keep going, don’t give up or doubt.  There will be an inner settledness and confirmation from the Lord that this is the way.

Though you may not have all the answers yet, you will have a deep peace of heart, a rest in your heart, knowing that this is from God.  Doubts only need more facts.  Anxiety only needs more reassurance.  It’s is unbelief and disobedience that we must avoid.

You may have unanswered questions and the Lord may simply say that you must trust me on that one.  But other times your doubts will be removed as you get more clarity on the situation.  The Lord will give you all you need at the right time to make the right decision.

Psalm 143:8,10 say, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. … Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.  The Lord will guide and direct you from His Spirit within you.  Listen carefully and you will hear His voice.

Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”  John 10:27 (ESV)

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks, #3 DO - What a Leader Does and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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