Growing Stronger

Jeremiah 17:7-8,

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

My leadership class has been in full swing! In fact, Thursday is our final week.

This class has become one of my favorite things. I LOVE teaching it! It’s such an honor to pour into the lives of these women, sharing what God’s taught me in leadership over the last decade.

As I study each week to prepare the lesson, one prevailing thought has been so fresh. Of all things leadership – whether casting great vision, possessing vast knowledge or being a charismatic leader – it all comes back to a leader’s time with God.

Personal time alone with Jesus is the “secret sauce” to living a life that really matters. (John 15) It’s how we make a difference. It’s how we keep ourselves from being bullied by fickle emotions or consumed with insecurities and neediness! It’s the secret to having vision, wisdom, and purpose along with living a life that impacts others.

Just as a plant or flower has roots that are hidden underground, we too must have a private, hidden life that we enjoy with God.

Then as we make time for daily Bible reading and prayer, our spiritual roots become nurtured and fed – much like a flower whose underground roots enable it to be beautiful and healthy. We receive. We grow. When hard times come, we have within our hearts a storehouse. A hidden reservoir of refreshment to draw:

strength when we feel weary;
power when we are weak;
solutions when we have problems;
peace when we are frustrated;
calm when our circumstances are in turmoil
answers when we have questions;
wisdom when we are confused;
assurance when we have doubt.

As you and I draw regular needed refreshment from God’s Word, we will not run out of stamina. We will be able to persevere and endure. We will be able to stand firm despite all the pressures life throws at us.

Spend time with Jesus today.