“We cannot control the winds, but we can adjust the sails.”

Bounty_ShipTonight I went to a leadership conference at Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, SC.  As I sat there listening about how great leaders have BIG visions, I saw something that hit me:  leader-ship. As in we are leaders of a ship.  What does your ship look like?  For some it may be that they are the leader of a church, an organization, a company, a family, or even one’ own finances.  Leadership means many things to many different people; but the way I look at leadership is it is about creating something extraordinary through having a big vision and critical implementation.   Alone, you cannot accomplish your vision, but with others, you can accomplish something much greater than yourself.

I learned this lesson the hard way this week.  I faced a major financial and leadership decision.   Common sense said to do what made the most financial sense.  Yet God shaped my heart a different way.   He showed me fairness, justice, and to give my complete trust to Him.  Though we often try to lead with our own will and power, it is when we give Him full authority He does His best work through us!

Are you struggling financially, spiritually, physically?  Whatever it is, give it to God.  He is trying to teach you something!  As a friend pointed Deuteronomy 8:3 out to me during my struggles this week:

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”  

Sometimes we try to take matters into our own hands and forget to include God in our plans.  Is that what a good leader should do?  Even the wisest leaders seek counsel.  What better wisdom than the Word of God?  Yet, we often forget to go to ultimate source of advice!  He offers all the wisdom necessary to become a great leader.

Good leadership takes courage, a willingness to admit your wrong, and an ability to inspire people.   Do you inspire?  Whether it’s your church, your company, or even your own family?  Do those along for the ride know where you’re heading?  Do you know? 

I always say dream big or go home.  Meaning if your dreams are not big enough, you risk missing the greatest blessings God has for you.  Depending on how big you see God will ultimately determine how He uses you. If you see Him as a small God, you will accomplish little, but if you see Him as He truly is, the HUGE God who can accomplish anything through you, the sky is the limit.   So what kind of leader will you become?    I’d love to hear your thoughts on leadership.