Habakkuk 3:17-19, "Even if the fig tree does not bloom and
the vines have no grapes, even in the olive tree fails to produce
and the fields yield no food, even if the sheep pen is empty and
the stalls have no cattle—even then, I will rejoice in the
Lord. I will truly find joy in God who saves me.
"The Lord Almighty is my strength. He makes my feet like
those of a deer. He makes me walk on the mountains.”
1. First of all, face reality. You are a leader!
You have been called (or appointed... was it your spouse?)
2. Face the fact that you are human! Not a super-human!
Even if your predecessor was fit, fantastic, famous and fabulously
talented... you are you! Created in His image to be all He created
you to be! Then stand "strong in the Lord and in His mighty
power” (Ephesians 6:10). Talk to some of your human friends.
You will be amazed how alike we all are.
3. Admit to yourself (no one else) your weaknesses
and your strengths! Satan probably won’t target your strengths.
He knows your vulnerability. So just remind the old guy that he
won’t have to keep reminding you of your failures. You are
perfectly aware of them. View your "limp” as a leap
to a blessing. Laugh at yourself. You might as well. Others may
already be laughing!
4. Admit to yourself that you are a winner!
Begin to rejoice as the fog lifts! Learn to do spiritual warfare!
Stand your ground. Refuse to even listen to negative thoughts.
As you step boldly forward in Jesus’ name, He begins to
extend your boundary. He will give you more territory! Start empowering
others. As you empower others, your own weakness will turn into
strengths.
5. Just being aware of our weakness is not enough!
Keep in mind that the One who was raised at Calvary is strong
enough to smash the serpent’s head! So ask Him to start
smashing:
Feelings of inadequacy
Fears
Anxieties
Setbacks
Strongholds
Financial Lack
6. Conquer through prayer! We can put the evil
one under our feet through prayer. One prayer at a time. Pray
with the authority given you through Jesus Christ.
7. Become a resource person to the other women
in your sphere of ministry. Everyone needs affirmation, support
and encouragement.
8. Do not live in isolation. Enlarge your circle
of friends! Allow others close enough to be an encouragement to
you. Be approachable. Women you serve need to feel welcome in
your presence! State presidents and coordinators, alike, need
encouragement, support and affirmation! Local women need the same
things. Go "out of your way” to include each other!
It is not "Us” and "Them”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9. Remember, leadership does not place us on
a pedestal. People soon grow tired of looking up—they get
a crick in the neck. You are called to be a servant leader. You
are to serve not be served!
10. Live like a leader! Go through your week
searching for opportunities to speak a word, lift a broken spirit—your
smile and kind words may be just what they need.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls
around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist
him, standing firm in the faith . . .” so that when the day
of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (1 Peter
5:8, 9; Ephesians 6:13).