October 20, 2022
The Power of a Good Leader
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. (Mark 6:31 NLT)
Beloved child, the secret of being a great leader is knowing when to stop and rest and not give up! Pressing on toward the prize of the high calling of God. Jesus modeled these character traits so beautifully. The fourth and fifth leadership lessons we can learn and their both powerful is knowing when you need to stop, take a breather, and rest and don’t get discouraged and quit:
1. Rest Often – When you don’t get the rest you need it can lead to moral failure, health failure, and broken families. Jesus worked hard; be He knew when He need to rest. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” (Mark 4:38) One of my favorite scriptures that have ministered to me for many years is (Mark 6:31) After the disciples were sent out and returned to give Jesus a report of their work, He said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Jesus worked hard but was not a slave driver. He knew it was important to rest and He taught the disciples to rest. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)
2. Press On – Jesus persevered through suffering. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. (Luke 22:44) He could have come off the cross at any moment, but He stayed. The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. ‘You said, you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!’ The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him. Luke 15:29-32) Jesus knew His purpose and pressed toward the goal. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.’ (Luke 19:10) 1. Great leaders are long-suffering. They are committed to the mission and won’t stop no matter how long it takes. So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9)
I challenge you to surround yourself with prayer warriors who will pray for you and encouragers. I have two or three people who send me encouraging messages every morning and a prayer team that prays for me. I love what I do and don’t look at it as hard work, but it is. Oftentimes, I am so in the spirit ministering to others, I haven’t stopped long enough to listen to my body. Your body will tell you what you need. Encouragers and Intercessors also are discerning and will tell you when you need rest. I thank God for encouragers and prayer warriors, intercessors! If you want to lead successfully you need both. I didn’t look for them, God will connect you by the spirit.
