“Pete, do you have a few minutes?” I could hear the sense of press in his voice. As this business owner expressed the reality of a business situation that seemed to be going south, the emotional weight of the press was clear in the midst of our conversation.
The irony was that I was there, right there with him, feeling the press of….
Wonderful clients with very real and present challenges at work and at home.
A business start-up with all the expected pressures encompassed in it…finances, clients, people, process and leadership challenges.
The privilege of caring for a growing family and, at the same time, caring for aging parents who need additional support.
I could go on…
So, where do I go when the reality of the press seems to flood my mind again? Where do you go?
I was reminded again this morning of how Jesus ministered to His key guys on the night before He went to the cross. They were confused, upside-down emotionally as they wrestled with what Jesus was telling them. Here are His words from John 16:31-33 NLT:
As I reflected on Jesus’ reminder for me while in the press, I explored these 5 questions:
Do you believe, finally believe that Jesus is who He says He is, and you are who He says you are? He is in charge – you are not!
In the moments when you feel alone, do you acknowledge that you’re feeling that way? Don’t ignore it. Tell Him the reality of the loneliness you’re experiencing.
At the same time, do you also declare what is true – that you are NOT ALONE because your Father in heaven is with you?
Do you fight the reality of Jesus’ statement that you will have trouble in this world? Or do you accept it?
Do you declare clearly that you are “taking heart”… knowing that Jesus, your King, has overcome the world?
As I write these words, my heart and mind are refreshed in the reality of Christ renewing me again.
Business owner & leader, where do you go when you feel the world pressing in on you? Do you lead yourself in a way that has you disconnected from the One who loves you? Or do you go to the place of offering yourself back to Him – the One who says, “Take heart, because I have overcome the world”?
Deliberate Application:
Reflect on the 5 questions above.
Who can you share this with?
