How to Lead in Uncertain Timesናሙና

Fighting Fatigue

Just as a sense of peace in our hearts can lead to confidence and a positive outlook, uncertainty can lead to discouragement and even depression. We humans like a sense of control and assurance about our circumstances. Unfortunately, seasons of uncertainty are inevitable. It's not a matter of "if" but "when" those seasons will arrive. Our goal, then, is not to eliminate uncertainty but to develop a helpful response. The prophet, Elijah, was familiar with uncertainty.

In 1 Kings 18, we read of his tremendous victory over 450 of the prophets of Baal and an amazing run from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel, but by chapter 19 he is terrified of Jezebel's threats and uncertain that God will protect him.

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. – (1 Kings 19:3-5a)

His uncertainty was rapidly moving toward discouragement and depression. What led to this state of affairs? No doubt, many factors were at work, but I want to point out three in particular over the next three days. The first factor was fatigue – the poor fellow was simply worn out. Who wouldn't be after a battle with 450 prophets and a 30-mile run? He's filled with fear and not thinking clearly.

But what is God's response to His tired and fearful prophet? Does He chastise him or chew him out? No, He comes like a loving mother – He brings refreshment with bread and water. The compassion and mercy here are amazing. God knows that we are finite, limited creatures, and our fatigue does not elicit his anger but his mercy. But there is something important here that we must not miss: Elijah had to act on God's provision. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”

God will bring us refreshment in our times of uncertainty and fear, but He won't force-feed us. Depending on the situation, most of us respond to uncertainty in one of two ways: either forging ahead in our own strength or becoming paralyzed with fear. Neither of these will prove helpful, but if we give Him a chance, God will bring refreshment to our body, mind, and heart.

How about you? What is your typical response to uncertainty? How might you avail yourself to God's provision?