Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 20, 2010
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means that I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22
Leaders adapt when people or circumstances change, so they can more effectively execute their priorities. The temptation is to do nothing and then suffer the consequences of blind belief in inferior assumptions. For example, your customer may have purchased your product at a premium in the past, but competition now gives them an alternative so you may need to change.
Or perhaps a leader’s style of arms length management has worked up to now, but current realities of cost cutting and change require him or her to be more hands on. The new normal in economics and people’s psychology requires leaders to be discerning and nimble to adjust to raw realities. Agile leaders move wisely through relational and organizational obstacle courses. What reality obstructs progress and needs your attention?
The Lord uses disruptions to keep us dependent on Him. Financial pressures, employee turnover and obsolete business models are a wake up call that our Savior employs to shake up our stale thinking. Are you clinging to what made your company successful in the past, or are you open handed with what needs to change to become profitable now?
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Maybe it’s time—by faith—to hit the refresh button in your leadership. Look for new and improved ways to walk with your team into cultural and organizational transformation. Pray profusely on the front end, gather all the pertinent data and then do the next right thing. Bold leadership assesses the situation and then adapts under the Lord’s leadership.
“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle” (Exodus 13:17-18).
Where do I need to adapt personally or professionally? How is the Lord leading?
Related Readings: Isaiah 48:6; Judges 7:16-18; Acts 3:16-18; Hebrews 13:7
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
