Leadership Looks A Little Different These DaysSýnishorn

Day 5: Get crazy comfortable with discomfort.

Leaders who remain effective in times of significant change are comfortable with discomfort.

When identifying talented future leaders, one of the most important things you can look for is what I call “the bounce-back factor” - resiliency. It is impossible to effectively capitalize on change if it makes you uncomfortable, or if you personally feel out of control in the midst of change. 

Leaders who best capitalize on change have a unique love for being out of their comfort zone. They get excited in times of change and press into unknown situations. They know that if they are comfortable, they aren't growing, but falling behind.

God often calls leaders out into the unknown. Think of Joshua and Caleb, who were part of the group of twelve that Moses called to scout out the new Promised Land. They saw the same challenges as the rest of the scouts, the same giants, the same fortified walls, but came to a very different conclusion as to what the nation of Israel should do next.

When Joshua and Caleb returned from their scouting trip, they likely didn’t have a complete detailed step-by-step plan of attack for how to take control of the Promised Land. Still time and time again, they had seen God come through in moments of the unknown. They leaned into the discomfort of not knowing the specifics, and spoke the powerful words “the Lord is with us; do not fear.”

Joshua ultimately was the leader that God chose to lead Israel into the Promised Land. He continued to press in to the unknown, listening to God’s voice along the way. Throughout Joshua’s time of leadership, God continued to come through for Israel in ways that were likely uncomfortable and certainly unprecedented. After all, who knew that walking around Jericho, blowing horns, and yelling would ultimately bring the city’s walls and defenses down? God did. When we are uncomfortable, we can trust that He is in full control and the source of all comfort.

God, in times of significant change, help me to find my security and settling in You alone. You are always in control, and always present in my life. You are the very definition of faithful. You have promised never to leave me or forsake me. Like Joshua, help me be courageous as I find the source of my courage in You.