Jesus Style Leadership 1 - Call & GraceParaugs

When Our Dreams Are Dashed

Leadership Lesson

When our prayers seem unanswered and things don’t work out the way we hoped, God’s grace is still at work through our weakness.

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Comment

The Apostle Paul experienced the wonder and power of God in so many ways. His conversion was miraculous, his ministry was powerful, his leadership was effective, and the revelations he received from God were incredible (see 2 Cor. 12:1-6). But God didn’t want Paul to get a swelled head, so he allowed Paul to face some tough challenges as well. One of these was a “thorn in the flesh.” We don’t know exactly what this was, but it was a significant problem that he felt significantly hindered his leadership. Of course, he pleaded with God to take it away. That’s what I would do too. But when God said “No” three times, Paul stopped asking. He understood that his weakness was actually an opportunity for God to work in his grace. In Jesus-style leadership, you will face setbacks and disappointments and weaknesses and personal challenges. Sometimes God will eventually do miracles to overcome these obstacles. You will have lots to celebrate. But sometimes he will not give you what you want, and you will need to trust him to show his power through your weakness. This too is God’s grace at work.

Prayer

I’m not sure that I like this lesson, Lord. I want my life and leadership to go well. I love it when my prayers are answered. But I do recognize that you work most powerfully when I am weak and can’t do it all myself. It throws me on to you. May your grace be sufficient for me no matter what happens and may your power flow, especially when I am broken and disappointed and dependent.

Personal Reflection

What do you do when you feel inadequate as a leader? Have you seen God work through you when you have been weak or struggling? When? Has God ever said no to your prayer? What happened?