Everyone
depends on a leader for answers. "Where do we go next?"
"What's our goal?" "Should we move ahead or
wait?" It's the leader who must make these decisions,
sometimes choosing between the greater of two goods —
or the lesser of two evils.
But
where does the leader go for help?
Effective
leaders have learned this secret: they are not alone. When
forced to make tough choices, they seek the counsel of One
greater than themselves. They seek the guidance of God.
Pray
for Perspective. Competence, skill, and intelligence are
all important attributes of leadership. But there is one greater:
faith. Truly great leaders believe in someone greater than
themselves, and they express that belief in regular times
of reflection and devotion. By spending time alone with God,
leaders gain perspective. They are reminded of what really
matters — and what doesn't.
Pray
for Wisdom. Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible, was
offered an incredible opportunity. God told Solomon that he
could ask for anything and receive it. Solomon asked for wisdom.
As a result, he became the greatest king in the history of
his nation. Great leaders pray not merely for specific needs:
things like better staff, more funding, or greater resources.
They pray for something more fundamental, the wisdom to make
proper choice. They pray that God will make them people of
insight, discernment, and integrity.
Pray
for Guidance. Even the most competent leaders ask for
advice. Great leaders take their questions to God, asking
for insight. They consult the Master Planner before announcing
a new policy or strategy. They seek God's direction for specific
decisions and for major goals.
Pray
for Strength. When it comes to facing adversity, there
are two types of leaders: those who go it alone and those
who succeed. For great leaders, prayer is not a way out; it
is a way through. The strength that is derived from communication
with God sustains them through times of adversity. Prayer
is a vital part of their spiritual support system.
Abraham
Lincoln said, "I have been driven many times to my knees
by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to
go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient
for the day." What was true for Lincoln must be true
for all of us.
Remember
that you are not alone. Make use of the most powerful weapon
in the leader's arsenal: prayer.
__________
Stan
Toler is a pastor, conference speaker, and television host.
He is the author of The Secret Blend, the popular Minute
Motivators Series, and more than 50 other books. You can
visit his website at: www.stantoler.com.
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