When You Lead With Courage, God Leads You

There’s a version of leadership people see and then there’s the version God calls us to live. The public version is neat, full of smiles and finished products. But the private version of leadership is often slow, and sometimes… even lonely.

This week, I shared behind-the-scenes clips from our Dance Ministry Movie Night. It was our first ministry family day and I looked forward to starting something new and excited in my church home. There were PJ’s, the mugs of coffee and kids dancing in the back while popcorn and soda flowed endlessly. It was cozy and chaotic, but the truth is: most of it was prepared in silence, with just my two hands and the Holy Spirit keeping me company.

And that’s the part of leadership many don’t talk about. Or when they do it's always from a place of discouragement. And that's the part I purposefully highlighted during my week long series. Leadership is not glamorous. Never forget that ministry is an act of service, usually a humbling experience. And saying yes to God doesn’t mean you’ll always have a full team, a full budget, or a full plan. Sometimes your only supply is faith, and your only confirmation is the peace God gives when everyone else is nowhere to be found. Which is exactly where I found myself during the set up process.

But here’s the lesson I’ve learned over and over again:

You can feel alone and still never be alone. God is outside of time. He fills in the gaps. He stretches what feels too small. He multiplies what feels insufficient. He strengthens hands that feel overwhelmed. He turns your agreement into fruit you didn’t even know was possible.

In Jame chapter 3, the Bible tells us that not many should become teachers. This is because teaching, leading, stewarding others carries spiritual weight and responsibility. The word says "for you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly". But when God calls you to it, He also anoints you for it and walks with you through it. Instead of leading from fear or discouragement, you begin to lead with boldness and courage.

As a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I remember the way that dream lived in me before I even understood what calling meant. I would bring stacks of paper and pencil to Sunday school, and lead other children in "lessons" I would prepare at home. At church it was always encouraged but life talked me out of it. My mother warned me against the financial downside of it and so I went to school for biology instead, something I’m not even using now.

But God is so faithful that He redeems us back to what He called us to do. He causes us to make good use of what He placed inside us even before we understand it fully. What a good Father! I may not be in a classroom yet, but I am teaching with my life. I am stewarding rooms, people, experiences, and small beginnings. And I know He’s preparing me for even greater stewardship, including the school He’s stirring in me.

This movie night wasn’t “just an event.” It was a reminder of who I am, and who God has always called me to be. It was also a reminder of the weight that this calling comes with. And I thank God, that instead of crumbling underneath that weight, I was able to be strengthen by it, raising up my tolerance for this work.

It showed me that leadership isn’t measured by how many hands help you, but by how faithfully you use the hands you have. It taught me that creativity isn’t about perfection, ministry isn’t about performance and fruitfulness doesn’t come from striving. But all the Lord is looking for do dwell in is an obedient and surrendered heart.

So if you’re reading this and you’re in your own season of building, leading, stewarding, I want to encourage you that your yes matters. Your obedience is seen and your work, when done with the right motives, is a form of worship. And one day, everything you’re carrying now will blossom into something you’ll look back on and say, “It was worth it.” At least that's what I tell myself in faith.

Thank you for going through this series with me. I pray that my own journey has encouraged you, strengthened you, or at the very least reminded you that you’re not the only one still learning how to lead with God instead of depending on your own strength.

Stay blessed, Christele 🤍