There are storms of correction. These are consequences of our poor decisions or mistakes.
However, there are also storms of perfection. These are consequences of things leaders have no control over. Changes in the market. A department shutting down. Medical reports. Poor decisions by others. The unexpected phone call which changes our lives.
Recently, Fellowship Bible Church senior pastor Crawford Loritts preached from Matthew 8:23-27. This is the famous passage where Jesus said, “Peace. Be still.” and the storm on the Sea of Galilee ceased. Because storms are something we all periodically experience, Crawford’s message is something all leaders should listen to. Here is a link here.
The following are 20 Facts About Surviving Leadership Storms I captured from his message. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of leaders who need to read this today. These lessons are a gift and will help carry you through this difficult time.
- Order and predictability can be great barriers to a growing faith.
- High control people leave a legacy of doubt and fear.
- He (Jesus) did not want them (the disciples) to trust in what they have grown accustomed to (fisherman on the Sea of Galilee). Your resource is not your source.
- Following Jesus means weathering some storms.
- The storm came BECAUSE they obeyed the Lord.
- The storm was beyond their ability.
- Jesus was resting comfortably in the will of the Father.
- Jesus permitted your storm. If you don’t accept this you will be angry, bitter, and frustrated. If you don’t accept this, you will assign yourself to a bitterness and resentment that will destroy you and those around you.
- Defeat your fear with faith.
- The problem was fear, not the storm.
- Fear is idolatry. It drives us to seize control.
- God doesn’t withhold blessings from those whose faith is small.
- Your storm is never over till God says it’s over.
- Just because you’re in a storm, the storm doesn’t have to be in you. Circumstances don’t control your response.
- Hold onto: A. The Word of God and its promises. B. Prayer C. Community D. Worship.
- Storms don’t last forever.
- Storms are transformative.
- Storms destroy: A. Any other source of significance. B. Any other source of satisfaction. C. Any other source of security.
- Storms call us to focus on Who really matters.
- All storms pass.
If you are going through a storm, let us know and this community of leaders will pray for you until the storm passes.
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