Life is an incredible journey. If we can be real for a second, life can be an incredibly frustrating journey when it comes to the opposition and challenges that we face as leaders in a chaotic world. Maybe you feel like the stress that you’re facing today is too much. Maybe you feel like the decisions you’ve made, whether publically or privately, have disqualified you from being all that God has created you to be.
My journey has been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least, but here are a few things I’ve found you can do to stay in the game!
1. Secret Place
Old language? Sure… but there is something incredibly uplifting and strengthening that happens when you get alone with God. I’m a runner so my “secret place” is in the woods where I can think and pray and wrestle my journey out with God. I guarantee God will meet you and speak to you in these moments when you prioritize His presence. (Psalm 27:5)
2. Wise Counsel
You don’t know it all so stop acting like you do. Pride can be a dangerous thing in life and laying that down can be tough, I know. Surround yourself with others who have been through life experiences and aren’t afraid to share their scares. I found that letting the older generation speak into your life is imperative to my current state of health. One older friend reminded me that he’s done enough “stupid” in his life and so “let me help you not do stupid.” (Proverbs 12:15)
3. Ask “Why”
I’m come to find that I’m no longer too concerned with “what” I put my hands to in life rather I’m focused on “why” I am doing the things I am doing. Not apologizing for your talents, gifting and anointing but rather keeping the main focus on the One you’re doing them for. I found it easy to get swallowed up in the past by my own hype and found that I lost focus of the main reason why I chose to lead others in the first place. Be unashamedly you but be the you who does all things in partnership with God to see his Kingdom advance, not your personal agenda. (Colossians 3:23)
4. Confidence is Key
Remember, you are not your mistakes! You are not the sum of your bad decisions. It’s easy to shrink back and let your confidence be crushed because that’s where many people, especially the enemy, want to keep you. Remember, your calling never returns void. Whatever God started in you, He’s big enough to not only restore it but complete it! Stay confident in the tough season that God is making a way through it and you’re going to come out even better on the other side! (Romans 11:29)\
5. Set Proper Boundaries
Become aware of those “little foxes” that want to steal away your focus. Become aware of your triggers whether emotionally, physically or spiritually and make a plan when the pressure comes. Like Joseph in the days in Potiphar’s house, when boundaries were crossed (not by his choosing), he ran! Learn that it’s better to flee temptation than to give in. When you develop disciplines of firm boundaries, in time you will no longer be fighting off the foxes but living fully in freedom! (Song of Solomon 2:15)