Lead Strong: Leadership Lessons From The Bible - Part 2Sample

Leaders Take Risks “Nope. I can’t do that.” “I’m not qualified.” “My husband is the pastor, not me.” “I thought he was going to become a lawyer, but now we’re serving in full-time ministry.” These were my typical responses in the early years of ministry. I wasn’t really sure that I was leadership material, yet there I was at the age of 21, stepping into new challenges as a newlywed, pastor’s wife, and by default, a leader. I was hesitant to serve and much more comfortable just being my husband’s biggest cheerleader. I can imagine that Queen Esther was hesitant to take on the responsibility of saving the entire Jewish community, yet she made the choice to risk her very life for her people. Our loss may not be as serious as losing our life, but maybe we risk being hurt or rejected by those we have been called to serve. The reality is that leaders are risk-takers, and as risk-takers there will always be a chance that we’ll lose something. There are two risk-taking lessons that I’ve learned from Esther: First, I had to recognize that the leadership role that I have been put in is exactly where God intended for me to be. Mordecai shared with Esther that even if she didn’t do something to help her people, that deliverance would come for the Jews. Perhaps she was where she was for “such a time as this.” Have faith that if God leads you to take a risk, He is going to equip you for it. I never want to be so afraid of taking a risk that I miss an opportunity to be used by God. Second, I had to identify my “Amen Corner”. My Amen Corner is my special group of people that willingly support me by covering me in prayer and offering encouraging words. After Esther decided to risk going to the king unannounced, she made the request that all Jews and her maids join her in fasting for three days. Knowing that she was covered in prayer and support gave Queen Esther the courage she needed to approach the king. God is looking for us to be willing to take risks for Him. As leaders, we must be willing to go and trust that God will handle the rest! By Evelyn Kay