Persevering through chaos

This is the 5^th post, in a series of 8, on transformation and the small business leader.

Disappointed…EXTREMELY disappointed! These were the opening words from a senior leader in an email to me. It was clear that the promised chaos had arrived. This small business owner and key leaders were beginning the very challenging, at times confusing, up close and personal work of changing themselves and the company they are leading.

The owner and the senior team, all Christ followers, had made personal commitments to A) having Christ help them grow and B) become the leaders of self and others they were designed to be. There were numerous reminders that the leadership change process would:

1. Require the very best of each leader.
2. Not be straightforward or easy.
3. Demand regular choices to humble oneself.
4. Necessitate needed apology and offers of forgiveness as each leader stepped up to lead self and others differently.

 When you choose to engage with Christ and invite Him to do His transformational work in you, and through you, challenge will come – chaos will ensue.

Jesus’ words ring true in John 16:31-33 MSG. The night before He went to the cross, as the “heat was dialed up”, He told His disciples that they would panic and want to run for it.

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that, trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

Here are 4 questions to help you reflect and prepare for the inevitable challenges that will come your way…. as you experience transformation and the impact that it will have on those around you. 

1. Do you believe that Jesus is who He says He is?   Do you believe that He will do what He said He will do…. both in you and through you?
2. As you feel the pressure, where may you be tempted to “make a run for it”?
3. What practices help you remember to trust Christ while in-the-press.  What helps you allow Him to transform you into His “unshakable, assured, deep peace as you experience inevitable difficulties?
4. What quality of Christ helps you remember to “take heart”?

A Deliberate Application:

1. Reflect on John 16:31-33 MSG and the 4 questions
2. What is God saying to you?
3. Who can you share this with?

DeliberateU-TUBE:

See stories of transformation where God is at work in the marketplace.