Leadership Can Be Lonely

Ian Revie

They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn’t matter - the Master stood by me… All praise to him!
2 Timothy 4:16-18 (MSG)

One of the things leaders know is that, while many people will never step up to be the leader, there are plenty of people willing to criticise any steps towards leadership you might take and tell the whole world how they know better and why you did it wrong!

In most leadership situations, you accomplish more by developing and working with others, you can’t always count on being supported or liked by everyone. No matter what you do, some people will be difficult and negative - leaders are change agents and people don’t like change.

So, you must stay focused on your God-given goals, be who you are, and trust God to do what you cannot do & lead where you feel it is impossible to do so.

Real leaders make tough decisions, even when it means they end up less than popular. The road to true leadership can be lonely. But once you reach your goals, the rewards are enormous.

Paul writes: ‘At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn’t matter - the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! God’s looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!’ (2 Timothy 4:16-18, MSG)

When others forsake you, the Lord will stand with you. The Lord will reward you.

Leadership is not about being in charge  it’s about listening, coaching, providing vision, serving, inspiring action, developing talent, taking care, protecting and celebrating - and it is tough hard work.

You are called to love others and work with them and if you find that you’re inadvertently doing things that alienate, discourage, or drive wedges, ask God for wisdom and insight to rectify the situation.

But know this: when you have no one left but God, you will discover that God is enough!