The Bulletproof Leader: Overcome FailureSample

Focus on Recovery

One key difference among those who succeed is their determination to get back up after a loss. Proverbs 24:16 says, “The righteous falls seven times and rises again” (ESV). David the great is another powerful example of how focusing on the future generates hope. In the sticky pages of his story, David and his men return home after the heat of the battle. They find their village pillaged and burned, and their wives and children are missing. Distraught and distressed, David’s men consider stoning him: “David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6 ESV).

In this passage the word strength can be translated as “encouraged.” Therefore, the text could read, “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” When David stood in ashes that were once his village, he had no idea that he was three days away from recovering his losses and six days away from being anointed king of Judah. In moments of great distress, how do we talk to ourselves about our situation? Do we stumble around muttering like a madman, or do we recalibrate our thinking and focus on recovering? When I need to encourage myself, I pull from this Scripture passage, “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).

Take a moment and think about the three levels of strength within that verse: power to soar above our problems and see things from a heavenly perspective; renew our strength to run with an abundance of energy; walk in the rhythm of newness. Whatever you need is found in the Lord. When others cannot help us, God will.

If you want to continue to on the path of revealing, realigning, and restoring the heart of a leader we encourage you to check out The Bulletproof Leader by Glenn Dorsey. The Bulletproof Leader contains real-life applications, practical wisdom, and biblical principles, coaching readers on how to embrace authenticity, conquer flaws, establish boundaries, develop personal accountability, and cultivate a balanced life. Learn more at https://bit.ly/TheBulletproofLeaderBook.