Do we really have something to give?
As forerunners in this season, we are called not just to be apart doing stuff but also is asked to lead at times. Seasoned leaders are full of insights and I'm not saying if I'm a seasoned one but God has blessed me with opportunities growing up as a leader.
"Our influence differs in every season of our lives as leaders..."
Reflecting on this blog and focusing on my previous experiences made me question even my journey as a leader. I seldom ask if I did really made an impact to the younger generation the Lord placed in my hands. And yet, as many would say, one can never quantify the impact when it comes to ministry.
I'd like to personally share my own insights as a leader and as a believer, for one can never separate the other from my end.
1. The basis of being a leader is always about the heart. I knew I had the skills, the insights but lacked the heart. God placed me in situations wherein I had to talk to young students or people at church that dealt with my own issues of the heart.
I thank God for experiences to open up with them and them to me. But I also thank Him for he strengthened me to do stuff I could never thought of before.
2. I became a leader out of circumstances. It was a "midnight appointment" after a hard season. There was a big family problem, my studies was on the rocks and I felt alone but full of faith.
In the summer of 2001, God placed me in a season of learning. I devoured a lot of leadership books from my aunt's bookshelf. I researched on the internet about ministry and leadership. But never did know where and how to start.
3. I was passionate about God, of ministry and the opportunities opening up. I can't simply stop listening to what God was showing me. There were many things I wanted to do and did them too. There were leadership roles from different ministries.
There were some "miss and hit" opportunities and decisions. But in the end, I still passed through the season still passionate about my Lord and ministry but lacks now the opportunities.
4. Fear creeps in but faith kept us afloat. What does it mean? When my brother and I started praying for young people to come in at church, I was not confident of God's answer. I often think that there's no need for numbers, the 4 or 5 of us are okay. But then the Lord answered us one Sunday with more than 20 young people and until it reached 40 plus. All because we prayed!
Some of the youth leaders of my home church now came from these bunch. One became a pastor and mostly are in the music team.
5. Our influence differs in every season of our lives as leaders. Whether what season I was into before, I saw learning that only God seems to instill. I often believe that I never left that situation with praises and prayers of a thankful heart to influence others.
God spoke about in every good opportunities and in deep trouble. I think the deeper learning came from deep experiences, mistakes and sad to say times of disobedience.
In all of these and through the years, I saw God as a person who molded me as I am now. I cannot say that the insights I had before and now are the same but my God is the same, therefore every learning in each season marks His thoughts and favor upon me.
Thank you for reading!
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