Leading Well, Even When it’s Hard
by Dixie Justice
Being an elder’s wife is an honor and a privilege, but also a great responsibility. Whether one knows it or not, others are always watching. Time and again, as I walk through our church, friendly faces say “Hello, Dixie,” and although they have faces I recognize, I may not know their names or stories, but they know me. Others who might never go into a church building are watching and know that I’m a believer in Jesus and active within my church alongside my husband. Do I consider that how I live my daily life in all of its ups and downs may be the only Jesus they will meet?
We all know that this journey of life can have some real curve balls thrown our way which make us want to react, pull away, and scream at the top of our lungs “life is not fair.” God’s Word tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us and calls us to live peaceful, quiet lives in all godliness and humility. Did you catch that? It is not a choice on how we respond. The book of Esther in the Old Testament gives us a glimpse into leading well in difficult circumstances.
Esther’s back story is that she was an exiled Jewish orphan who was raised by her cousin, Mordecai, carried off to the Persian King’s harem and given 12 months of preparation before being presented to King Xerxes. She pleased the King and was pronounced Queen. Sometime later a proclamation was made to kill all Jews in the Kingdom. This definitely qualifies for a difficult dilemma in Esther’s life, and one with many truths for you and me today.
Esther was “lovely in form and features.” She was a lady of grace, even though for much of her life, she had no control in what happened to her. Am I a lady of grace, always? When times become difficult, will others see me acting in a godly, humble way that brings glory and honor to Jesus?
Esther listened to the counsel of Mordecai. Do I listen to others with a teachable spirit, willing to hear what those wiser than me have to say?
Esther fasted (and one may assume prayed, although Scripture does not mention prayer in this passage). Is prayer always my first response in life’s circumstances, waiting and listening for God’s direction, or do I bumble ahead without God and/or run to others for comfort and guidance?
There are so many different ways difficulties can enter into our lives, each with different faces. Recently I experienced a period of anxiety and situational depression. My human flesh did not feel like being a lady of grace and kindness. All that I wanted to do was to withdraw and find shelter within the four walls of my home. Yet, life went on and I had to choose how I was going to respond. I spent time in God’s Word and in prayer, praying fervently for God to release the spirit of despair hanging over me. I sat quietly before the Lord. I asked for prayer from a few trusted friends, and I sought counsel. During this journey, God showed me His faithfulness in giving me the strength to continue in ministry. Every time I left my home, my heart beat rapidly in my chest, but I can honestly say that only one person ever commented to me, asking if I was OK. As I am on the closing chapter of this journey, I praise God that He has not only seen me through this, but has shown me a couple of sins to be dealt with along the way. I am reminded of Isaiah 41:10. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
When you are facing a hard place in life, choose God’s way of grace (i.e., be gracious), humility (i.e., seek counsel) and submission (i.e., pray and fast). Choose to wait upon the Lord. He will give clarity and hope. Remember that in the life of a believer, there are no coincidences. God often uses the difficult times of one’s life to fulfill His purposes, to bring one to greater maturity, and to work behind the scenes in ways one may not even be aware of. Others may be changed as they see Jesus shining through you, in the midst of your difficulty.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6
